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.

Advancing on Apple Pests

Researchers, educators, consultants, and growers are working to synthesize current knowledge and create an advanced IPM system that could enhance profits and sustainability.

Rice Is Nice

... especially when locally grown. Rice production is alluring both to locavores and to growers seeking ways to get production from marginal lands.

School IPM Pilot Projects Take Flight

Schools embrace IPM for all the right reasons: Children are more vulnerable than adults to both pests and pesticides, either of which can trigger asthma, the leading chronic illness in U.S. children.

New Tomato Hybrids on the Way

Seed companies put IPM researchers’ findings to use: Growers now have access to new tomato varieties that resist some of the most threatening tomato diseases and can be grown in ways that are gentler to the environment.

IPM Saves Maine Potato Growers $17 Million

Maine’s Potato IPM Program made great strides in 2008, saving growers $17 million while minimizing pesticide usage. This is big news in a state where potatoes are the top agricultural commodity, valued at more than $500 million.

Living the Green Dream

Northeastern golf courses put IPM to work: Turf managers need strategies to comply with new mandates, lessen environmental impacts, and continue to attract players in a competitive industry.

Smarter Lawn Care, Cleaner Water

The Green-Blue Grants Program disbursed $12,500 to promote clean water through residential IPM. Nearly 1,000 homeowners and lawn care professionals in six states received direct training through this program.

Sales Tip Scales for Eco Apple Growers

Growers, scientists, and marketers have successfully boosted the market for IPM-grown apples through their collaborations in the Northeast.

Battling Pests in Public Housing

Urban pests like cockroaches and mice can trigger asthma, contaminate food, and damage buildings. They can also cause stress and lead people to misuse pesticides.

NRCS Incentives Could Boost IPM Adoption

Nearly 400 northeastern growers and NRCS staff have attended on-farm workshops aimed at improving growers’ ability to earn financial incentives for managing pests in ways that protect the environment.