evolution and integrated pest management flashcards

How do you define Evolution?

Descent with modification / survival of the fittest / change passed on through generations

The Recipe of Evolution

Change passed on through generations 

Variation provides the raw materials (traits)

Selection does the choosing 

Inheritability = passes trait onto the next generation 

What is a pest?

an organism or population of organisms that interact with human populations in an antagonistic or negative way 

management NOT

eradication

Proactive NOT

reactive, Dealing with pests before they are a problem, taking preventative measures 

Strong emphasis on

Monitoring : Monitoring before there is an issue, using traps and stuff to see what pests there are 

Different Controls: - what are they? should be 3

Cultural, Biological, Mechanical

Cultural controls

• Site and plant selections, sanitation, rotations.

• Resistant varieties: strengthen plants

• Crop rotation: escape pests.

• Intercropping: confuse pests or attract

• Sanitation: remove areas of refuge 

• Phenological asynchrony: delayed planting, early harvesting, etc

Mechanical controls

Tilling and cultivating, Hand picking, Physical barriers, Temperature extremes, vacuuming, Insects: traps, barriers 

Biological controls

Predators, parasites, nematodes 

Augmentative

The release of additional numbers of a natural enemy when too few are present to control a pest effectively 

Classical

The introduction of a natural enemy of NON-NATIVE origin to control a pest

Conservation biological control - definition

Manipulate habitat(s) to encourage natural enemies to control pests

Components of Conservation Biological Control

• Shelter: Conserve overwintering habitat

• Safety: Provide refuge from other natural enemies and pesticides

• Resources: Plant flowering plants (for pollen & nectar) and alternative prey for generalists