|
According to David Millar of Caravan magazine, pests destroy about 35 per cent of all crops worldwide annually. Even after harvest, insects, birds, rodents, and micro-organisms inflict an added 10 to 20 per cent loss, adding up a total destruction of 40 to 50 per cent. This, for him, is disturbing, considering that 90 percent of the world is dependent on 15 major crops for food supplies. Even in the microcosm of a garden, pests are a constant problem. Hence, innovative garden pest protection methods are now being pushed through by experts and lawmakers alike to rid us of these harmful banes.
The most approved garden pest protection method is the Integrated Pest Management or the IPM. This approach uses effective yet environmentally sound ways to keep pests from damaging your plants. IPM plans generally integrate a number of garden pest protection methods for a long-term and sustainable pest prevention and management.
Integrated Pest Management begins with the analysis of the area and proper pest identification. Once the type and severity of infestation is identified, the owner can select the appropriate IPM methods to use. The most approved garden pest protection methods include: the use of pest-resistant plant varieties, the reliance on plant-friendly bugs, and the modification of garden design and management.
Using pest-resistant plant varieties is perhaps the least expensive and most natural garden pest protection method one can use. There are varieties of plants, vines, and shrubs that ward off harmful insects and weeds. You can consult your local nursery owner for a list of these species. Also, encouraging natural pest enemies like beneficial insects and other organisms can help avoid the use of pesticides. Lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid flies, parasitic mini–wasps, and spiders are the most common natural pest enemies. This garden pest protection method can be done by integrating plants that provide these insects with shelter, nectar, and pollen. Proper planning and garden design is also another IPM method that you can use. A modification of your irrigation system or your fertilization practices can offer a great garden pest protection method. Even changing the layout of your garden can deprive these pests of their shelter, food, and water, eventually leading to their eradication. Caulking, through the use of barriers and screens, is also another preferred garden pest protection method. This method may be common but it is very effective in keeping pests out of the garden.
IPM programs are considered the most environmentally responsible garden pest protection methods. They provide effective pest management solutions that are far from harming your family and the environment. These innovative garden pest protection methods permit a more intensive use of land for growing blemish-free plants not just for gardeners but for consumers as well.
|
Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about pest and disease and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
Didn't really find what you were looking for?
|
|
|
| |
|
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](images/rss.gif "Subscribe to our XML Feed for RSS")
(Read 500+ times)
