Applying principles of community ecology to pest management in orchards

Conventional agriculture expends much effort opposing ecological processes to ensure high productivity and quality harvests. An ecological approach to integrated pest management (IPM) is presented where ecological processes are used and manipulated, when required, to arrive at the same goal of high production and quality. This approach will not only be more environmentally compatible, but will require less input of energy and resources than conventional pest management. A different approach to the way IPM programs are usually developed is also presented as an alternative to compliment and enhance traditional methods. Rather than starting with a conventional agroecosystem and removing inputs it is suggested to start with a nearly natural ecosystem and gradually add inputs, only as needed. This holistic approach, in conjunction with traditional approaches, should lead to an IPM system with less input than current practices and maintain high productivity and harvest quality. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.