Organic Cannabis Cultivation - What is integrated pest management [IPM]?

A prominent agricultural process that has been trending in the cannabis
industry over the last few years is integrated pest management, better
known as IPM. This combination of methods suits the cannabis grower as it
minimizes the impact on the environment while boosting plant health and
meeting regulatory constraints by reducing or eliminating the need for
harsh chemical-based pesticides. Like any well-planned grow, IPM starts
with selecting soil media full of nutrients and microorganisms, adequate
forecasting and planning, trapping and monitoring, cultural controls,
biological controls, and when necessary chemical controls featuring
ingredients that are highly vetted with a low impact on the environment.
[image: Praying Mantis waiting for prey [Image by Arbico]]

Praying Mantis waiting for prey [Image by Arbico]

There are several beneficials that cannabis growers can utilize, and
pre-emptive control is important as it can save on hardships later down the
line. It is also important to continuously monitor for pests in all stages
and apply beneficials at the onset of infestation for best results. Two
great beneficials to introduce as a preventative measure are beneficial
nematodes and *Stratiolaelaps scimitus* *(Hypoasis miles)*, aka fungus gnat
predators. These are both great for soil developing pests and can be
applied before the onset of an infestation. Beneficial nematodes are live
microscopic organisms that parasitize over 200 species of soil pests
including fungus gnats, root aphids, and thrips, and are compatible with
most fertilizers and insecticides, limit pesticide use in vegetative and
flowering stages by limiting pest population throughout the growing season
and leave no residue to ensure a clean end product.
[image: Indoor grows can really benefit from controlled use of beneficial
insects [Image by David Downs]]

Indoor grows can really benefit from controlled use of beneficial insects
[Image by David Downs]

Beneficials are either generalists and predate on/parasitize a variety of
pests at various life-stages or specialists that predate/parasitize only
certain species of pests and all beneficials have temperature and humidity
constraints. For pests commonly found on cannabis, there are several
generalists to choose from depending on pest type, growing conditions, and
infestation level and include Assassin Bugs (*Zelus renardii)*, Green
Lacewings (*Chrysoperla rufilabris*), Minute Pirate Bugs (*Orius insidious*),
and even Ladybugs (*Hippodamia convergens*). [Images below by Arbico]
View fullsize [image: assassin bug 1080x1080.jpg]
View fullsize [image: green lacewing larvae 1080x1080.jpg]
View fullsize [image: 1117001_minute_pirate_bug_600x600.jpg]
View fullsize [image: ladybugs-cannabis 1080x1080.jpg]

Some of the most frustrating pest infestations can be controlled by
utilizing a specialist predator. These include Mite Predators (*Phytoseiulus
persimilis*), Aphid Wasps (*Aphidius colemani*), and the Fungus Gnat
Predator (*Hypoasis miles*). The selection of a specific specialist usually
is based on how well they will thrive in a specific growing environment and
how well they can suppress a certain population. Commonly, it is suggested
to combine several beneficials for the most efficient results. [Images
below by Arbico]
[image: phytoseiulus persimilis 1080x1080.jpg]
[image: 1101301-m.jpg]
[image: 1154002_stratiolaelap_scimitus_600x600.jpg]

Lastly, the key to a successful IPM plan starts with good planning and
preparation and it is important to know your growing specifics such as
temperature levels, humidity levels, grow size, soil media, and care
regime, and any additional specifics when creating an IPM plan. Beneficial
insects are predominately grown in labs and require lead time for
collection and shipping so don’t wait until it’s too late!

While most growers are seasoned experts when it comes to soil and planning
ahead, it can be daunting to navigate selecting and utilizing beneficial
insects and organisms. A good resource for not only information but also
for the acquisition of beneficial controls is a family-owned business in
Tucson, Arizona that has been helping growers make sustainable choices for
over 40 years, ARBICO Organics. Their mission is to help guide growers
towards utilizing IPM practices in a way that is both efficient and easy.
They have a team of specialists that can help growers determine the best
solutions for their pest problems and provide valuable information that
will help create a successful IPM plan including pest identification and
suggesting the best beneficial for control in a particular growing
environment. Once you have selected which beneficial to use, the
specialists at ARBICO Organics can help you to determine the right amount
to introduce, when to release the beneficial, and what kind of continuity
(repeated applications) or schedule will best support success. When
applying beneficials, it’s imperative to reintroduce them at an amount and
pace that is higher than the pest’s reproduction levels to suppress the
pest population. ARBICO Organics also offers a wide array of knock-down
insecticides derived from ingredients like neem-oil and more that can help
you treat pests without harsh chemicals.

*Check out their website today to learn more about IPM or give them a call
for a custom consultation! https://www.arbico-organics.com/*
[image: Learn more about integrated pest management [IPM] on Arbico’s
Website]

*Learn more about integrated pest management [IPM] on Arbico’s Website*