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The Guild Report
February 2011  Topic:  Integrated Pest Management     
In This Issue
Point of View
IPM Overview
IPM Case Study
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Point of View       

With Employee Owner

Manuel Sanchez

   Manuel Sanchez


"IPM is a resource that enables me to solve pest problems on a daily basis in the field.  As a Bay Friendly Certified  Landscaper, my approach is to minimize the use of synthetic products and increase the use of organic ones.  This means my clients worry less, and I'm helping to protect our environment. " 

Manuel Sanchez is an Account Manager, Landscape Industry and Bay Friendly Certified; he has been with Gardeners' Guild  for ten years. 

 

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Below:  photo of an Aphid colony

Aphid

 


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Greetings!

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We are proud to say the Guild Report is in its second year!  Our goal is deliver useful information to customers, friends and colleagues.  

 

Integrated Pest Management - or IPM - is really a different mindset.  Instead of thinking we must eradicate pests from our landscape we think in terms of "management".  It means we re-adjust our thinking, but in doing so we protect our environment, animals and people. 

 

You will notice a link to our website, recently redesigned and upgraded.  It has newer information about Gardeners' Guild and features photos of many of our talented employee-owners.  Take a look: 

 www.gardenersguild.com

 

All the best,
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Suzanne Harris  

510-439-3728


IPM - An Overview
  

Pests in the landscape!

Pests are organisms that can severely impact the appearance, health and ultimately threaten the survival of plants.  Some typical ones you may have heard of are: mites, aphids, nematodes, pathogens and weeds.   

 

The Strategy of IPM 

We cannot completely eliminate pests and plant disease. The strategy is to strengthen and stabilize the landscape ecosystem so that conditions are favorable for the plant but unfavorable for the pest.  It is not unlike the preventative medicine that your doctor prescribes. Eating well and exercising boosts our immune system in much the same way as feeding the soil enables plants to resist disease.  This is part of a long term plan for the landscape.  

 

IPM incorporates a range of biological, organic, cultural and mechanical solutions to prevent or reduce the effects of pests.  The goal is to use the least toxic methods.

Tips for Prevention    

  • The foundation is healthy soil 
  • Select plants that are healthy; free from disease or insects
  • Plant at the right depth
  • Water thoroughly; don't over water
  • Keep mulch at the soil surface; away from root crowns
  • Do not over fertilize
  • Prune judiciously
  • Eliminate noxious weeds before they go to seed or spread
  • Clean tools and equipment in contact with infected plants  


Case Study - Aphids in the Landscape

Identifying

Aphids are small soft bodied insects with long slender mouth parts which they use to pierce stems, leaves and other plant parts and suck out plant fluids.

 

Damage to Plants 

Large populations can cause curling, yellowing, and distortion of leaves; stunting shoots.  Some Aphids inject a toxin into plants, further distorting growth.   

 

Managing Aphids 

Plants should be monitored by someone knowledgeable.  Once identified, the following are least toxic methods used to reduce them.

Biological:  Beneficial insects such as the Lady Beetle or Lacewing are natural predators.

Cultural:  Wipe off or prune and dispose of them; knock them off with a strong spray of water

Chemical (non toxic): Horticultural Oil or insecticidal soal 

 

Education is key.  Landscapes can tolerate a certain level of pests without resulting in significant, or even noticeable damage.