Although chemical pesticides safeguard crops and improve farm productivity, they are increasingly feared for their potentially dangerous residues and their effects on ecosystems. The Future Role of Pesticides explores the role of chemical pesticides in the decade ahead and identifies the most promising opportunities for increasing the benefits and reducing the risks of pesticide use. The committee recommends R&D, program, and policy initiatives for federal agriculture authorities and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors. This book presents clear overviews of key factors in chemical pesticide use, including: Advances in genetic engineering not only of pest-resistant crops but also of pests themselves. Problems in pesticide useâ€"concerns about the health of agricultural workers, the ability of pests to develop resistance, issues of public perception, and more. Impending shifts in agricultureâ€"globalization of the economy, biological "invasions" of organisms, rising sensitivity toward cross-border environmental issues, and other trends. With a model and working examples, this book offers guidance on how to assess various pest control strategies available to today's agriculturist.

This manual is the ultimate guide to pest management for strawberries. Whether you’re a commercial grower or a home gardener, this manual is for you. Using this manual you’ll learn how to prevent and diagnose causes of damage; identify pests and key natural enemies; establish an IPM program for your field; manage problems related to irrigation, nutrition, and the growing environment; and determine when direct control actions are necessary. This revised manual also includes chapters on strawberry transplant production and managing pests in home garden strawberries.

Strawberries are among the most important fruit crops in California—with organic production on the rise. Organic strawberry sales in California have grown from $2 million in 1997 to over $55 million in 2009. Grow your own delicious organic strawberries this year with the help of this detailed how-to guide. This useful manual, complete with detailed information on production, disease and pest management, postharvest handling, marketing, and the organic certification process, will help you feel ready and empowered to take on the challenges of organic growing. This manual is perfect for growers, pest control advisors, consultants, marketers, industry professionals, and others interested in the organic growing and certification process. Find useful tips on selecting plant varieties, managing crops, identifying and managing pests and diseases, making the switch from conventional to organic growing, pursuing organic certification, and much more. With more than 100 vibrant photos, 35 informative illustrations and tables, and input from more than 20 University of California researchers and industry experts, this guide is a must-have for all individuals interested or involved in the organic strawberry industry.

The book deals with the present state and problems of integrated pest management as relating to stakeholder acceptance of IPM and how integrated pest management can become a sustainable practice. The discussions include using less pesticides and the possibility of eliminating pesticides from agricultural practice.