Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a program created by the Missouri Department of Agriculture for educational and demonstration purposes, employs all available tools— cultural, biological, chemical and regulatory control methods to keep pests below an economic injury level. The IPM Program uses control methods in a compatible manor that is economically feasible and environmentally sound.

Since 1995, the IPM Program has been involved in many cooperative projects with the University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-Delta Center, Meramec State Park, Thomas Jefferson Institute, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and USDA-Natural Research Conservation Service.

IPM in Schools
The IPM Program is working with the Missouri Center for Safe Schools on a cooperative Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant titled, "Implementing IPM in Missouri Schools." For more information about this grant, visit IPM in Missouri Schools.

IPM and Boll Weevil
IPM provides regulatory oversight for the Missouri Boll Weevil Eradication Program. The Missouri Cotton Growers Organization Board of Directors was appointed in 1996 to design a referendum specific to the region as defined by the Missouri Boll Weevil Suppression/Eradication Act, RSMO 263.500-263.537. A referendum was passed by Missouri cotton producers in the fall of 2000 and a seven year program began in 2001. The Missouri Cotton Growers Organization contracts out the program implementation to the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation.

IPM and Sustainable Agriculture
IPM currently provides support for the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Award Program and cooperates with the Community Food System and Sustainable Agriculture Program at the University of Missouri on sustainable agriculture topics. The program participates on the Administrative Council of USDA’s North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Organization as the state agency representative.

IPM and Hypoxia
IPM manages an EPA funded Hypoxia Education and Stewardship program. This program provides information on nutrient management practices to Missouri farmers to assist them in conserving nitrogen inputs and reduce runoff into the Mississippi River Basin.

For further information, contact the Integrated Pest Management Program.