IPM Success Stories

IPM is good for people, the environment, and the pocketbook

Since 2000, we’ve fostered the development and adoption of integrated pest management, supporting projects that focus on important pest problems and provide economic, environmental, and human health benefits to our region. Read on to learn about the impacts of projects we’ve funded and about the work of our partners nationwide.

A Plan to Reduce Illness – and Pesticides – in Schools

A team of experts is calling attention to the issue of pests and pesticides in schools. They have released a plan blueprint to help school employees and caregivers keep pests from entering buildings and grounds.

Small Steps to Help Honey Bees

Scientists are trying to stop the small hive beetle (SHB, Aethina tumida) that carries pathogens into honey bee colonies.

Designing Stink Bugs Out of Landscapes

Researchers want to know whether the brown marmorated stink bug can be designed out of landscapes.

Setting the Gold Standard for Tomatoes

In 2009, late blight decimated tomato crops in the Northeast. Scientists stepped up the creation of blight-resistant tomato varieties with new urgency.

Collaborators in Region Join Chorus against Spotted Wing Drosophila

Researchers and educators are confronting an invasive species that has changed the tune for Northeastern fruit growers: the spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

Researchers Make Movies to Get a Jump on Bed Bugs

Scientists are sharing their knowledge in the battle against bed bugs by fashioning themselves after Hollywood stars and launching three web videos.

Serving Up a Bitter End for Eggplant Pests

When researchers plant eggplant into crimson clover, they dish up trouble over and over for two unwanted beetles.

Scientists Draw Maps to Stop Stink Bug Pirates

An integrated pest management program running since the 1980s has led to fresh insights about a new invader. Scientists are deploying maps to aid the fight.

Regional IPM Centers Receive International Award of Excellence

for “groundbreaking work” as a collaborative network. Centers are among those honored at the 7th International IPM Symposium in Memphis, TN.

"Oscars of Food" Honors Visionary IPM Advocate at World's Largest Food Distributor

When Sysco began developing environmental guidelines 6 years ago, they turned to IPM specialists for advice. Now thousands of Sysco growers are using IPM, and Sysco reports a cumulative reduction of 3 million pounds of pesticide.