Factors influencing the development of integrated pest management (IPM) in selected vegetable crops: A review

This review identifies factors that influence the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes and contribute to reducing risks from pesticide use. It examines how these factors may alter decisions concerning pesticide use as well as influence the choice of pesticide. The review focuses on IPM programmes in New Zealand in processing tomatoes, sweetcorn, vegetable brassicas, and potatoes, and compares these programmes with IPM in pipfruit. Factors examined include regulatory issues, markets and consumers, environment and sustainability, industry associations, the plant protection industry, growers, economic factors, science and technology, and implementation. Although requirements for export markets have been a key factor driving IPM in pipfruit, this has not been the situation in most vegetable crops, but this may change as quality standards become more important across all horticultural sectors. Sustainability problems, recognised as increased reliance on pesticides, lack of natural controls, and pesticide resistance, have contributed to crisis responses but have also helped to promote industry support of IPM programmes. Underpinning science, cohesive industry associations and the availability of selective pesticides were key requirements for IPM development, but the continuation and improvement of IPM in specific crops relies on ongoing, planned extension services.