Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

An EU-wide network to support and promote solutions for alternative weed control.  

The IPMNET initiative aims to improve the practical understanding and application of integrated pest management (for pests, weeds and diseases) for farmers,  and inform policy design promoting IPM strategies. 

Help us develop a smart app for the management of wheat pests

The IPM-Net Knowledge Exchange Network recently held a kick-off meeting at Nottingham Trent University Brackenhurst Campus.     The IPM NET Kick-off brought together a mixture of farmers, advisors, scientists and industry representatives to talk about the opportunities and challenges of developing an IPM knowledge exchange network.

ADAS scientists help evidence and guide crop disease management by chemical, genetic and biological approaches. Our expertise covers all areas of disease management on the major crops. We lead multi-organisation collaborative research into disease management and preventation, as well as provide strategic consultancy.  

A new Field Lab from Innovative Farmers investigating how farmers can better harness the power of flowers to fight pests.

This guidance provides instructions on how to gather IPMNET in-field observation data. By collecting observations in a consistent way, you will be able to make meaningful comparisons within and between fields across the IPM network.   Download the guidance at the bottom of this page to find out more!                          Please click here to share pest and disease information about your field(s).

The IPM Decisions project will create an online platform that is easy to use for the monitoring and management of pests. Access the platform now at https://platform.ipmdecisions.net/ Co-funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union Under grant agreement No 817617

This Innovative Farmers Field Lab investigated defoliation as a control for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) larval populations in oilseed rape. It worked with eight farmers to look at the potential for controlling cabbage stem flea beetle by mowing and grazing OSR crops

An EU-Wide Farm Network Demonstrating and promoting cost-effective IPM Strategies.

App and website dedicated to pest, disease & weed identification and management.

Strategic BBSRC & NERC programme with CEH & Rothamsted  - Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Systems,

Online guide to identifying arable weeds from ADAS, AHDB and BASF

Guide published by BASF and AHDB, written with ADAS & Rothamsted, providing a complete reference book for cereal diseases. 

The encyclopedia of oilseed rape diseases is a guide that was created by ADAS and BASF to help growers identify and understand diseases of OSR. As well as highlight emerging threats such as Verticillium wilt and raise awareness of other economically damaging diseases. 

Now in its 10th year, the CropTec show combines industry-leading exhibitors, the latest machinery and technology, networking and discussion opportunities as well as valuable updates on developments across the arable sector.    Tickets are free and available now by registering at www.croptecshow.com.

Live webinar on IPM in Agriculture on 10th November 2022

AHDB Guide from 2021 incorporating WRAG guidelines. Weed control is vital for high yields of good-quality crops and to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, e.g. ergot. Yet with fewer active ingredients, a need to protect water and manage herbicide resistance, the weed challenge must be managed across the rotation.

TALISMAN and SCARAB were long-term projects developed to follow on from issues raised in the Boxworth project. TALISMAN focused on the economic issues of reducing pesticide and fertiliser use, whilst SCARAB examined the ecological side-effects of pesticides.

At ADAS Boxworth, a range of Horticultural trials take place both on-site and on growers/farmers' land in order to provide unbiased scientific advice to growers and farmers aroud the UK.

This Open Access chapter describes the current status of IWM for grasslands. Its focus is on management practices available to influence transitions in a weed’s life cycle: from the soil seed bank to seedling establishment, from the seedling stage to the mature plant, and from the mature plant to the soil seed bank.

Create IPM plans for your farm

This chapter covers the definition of biostimulants, brief summary of various categories, and how they are used for promoting plant growth, building soil structure, imparting stress tolerance, and contribute to pest and disease suppression. Strategies for using biostimulants as a part of IPM and some challenges and future opportunities were also discussed.

"An essential guide offering practical tips and approaches for farmers to adopt as they look for better and more sustainable ways to protect their crops."

Integrated Pest Management focusing on disease control in cereals Link to video series playlist on YouTube

In February 2018, ADAS, AHDB and Defra launched the Grass and herbal leys farm network. The network is a partnership between farmers, researchers and industry and provides a platform to investigate the long term impacts of leys in rotations, such as: Quantifying changes in soil organic matter and soil health from introducing temporary grass/herbal leys across a range of soil types and rainfall areas. Quantifying subsequent changes to soil organic matter and soil health following the destruction of the temporary grass/herbal leys and return to arable production. Investigating the effectiveness of grass/herbal leys in controlling blackgrass in ‘problem’ fields.

The Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) produces guidance on pesticide resistance issues. Hosted by AHDB, this information can be used to help protect crops and the long-term efficacy of herbicides.

A group of farmers is investigating with Harper Adams University how trap crops such as sticky and African nightshade can be used as a biological management practice.

AHDB Guide published in 2018.

AHDB webpage highlighting the national network of aphid suction traps and yellow water traps run by Rothamsted Insect Survey, supported by BBSRC. Delivering regional information on aphid species and numbers, this monitoring resource can help guide insecticide treatment decisions.

The IPM Innovative Cycle involves inputs from four distinct yet interconnected sectors: Farmers/Agronomists, Academic Researchers, Industrial Researchers and Regulators. However practical experience suggests that there are unfortunate disconnects between these parts of cycle.  This event we will bring together participants from across the Innovation Cycle, each of whom are working towards the ultimate aim of developing novel modes of plant protection.

Crop modelling is a useful tool in agriculture to improve our understanding how a crop grows in interaction with all external factors, including environmental interactions and the crop management practices in place. The idea is that by modelling cropping system factors as a mathematical representation, and incorporating real past data to 'calibrate' the model,  you can then simulate various scenarios and predict the impacts of certain changes on crop growth. One example of this would be a simulation of predicted environmental conditions under various climate scenarios to predict the impacts of climate change on crop growth and yields. Whilst models are oversimplifications of reality and can never capture all the complexity of agricultural systems, modelling has been a vital tool underpinning key agricultural developments and models are constantly being developed to be more dynamic, complex and sensitive. One particular application of modelling is in weed control. This page highlights the application of modelling in weed management and introduces a case study of a weed model from a DEFRA report.       

The bruchid beetle (also known as bean seed beetle or broad bean weevil) damages the seeds of field bean and its larvae can lead to crop rejection in broad beans.

As grass-weed herbicide options in oats are limited, it is especially important to use integrated pest management (IPM). Organic systems, with their focus on cultural control – use of rotation, stale seedbeds and mechanical weeding – provide valuable lessons for control in conventional crops.

Integrated Pest Management: Supporting tools and evidence-based learning

Pea and bean weevil (also called pea leaf weevil) is a particular risk to spring-sown peas and beans.

Natural enemies, such as parasitoid species, are an important element in managing crop pests.

A discussion on how to make silvo-horticultual agroforestry work

Holistic IPM: Reducing Pesticide Use  

We are establishing a network of farms to share knowledge and data on the application and impact of IPM strategies with the aim to better understand the effectiveness of IPM approaches on farm yield and profitability, and support sustainable, productive systems with no pesticide inputs wasted. We’ve had some initial funding from Defra to design the network, and now we are moving into a pilot phase.   

Wikifarmer and Promote Pollinators have gathered 5 experts from around the world as well as top institutions, to present the importance of pollinators and Integrated Pest Management at the farm level.

Pea moth is one of the most damaging pea pests in this country and in Europe.

Using the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri can be a successful biological control solution for these sucking pests.

Choosing practical and impactful integrated pest management (IPM) approaches and tools is essential. However, putting IPM research into practice in a commercial farm situation can be challenging.

Based on RL data and parental diversity information, use the variety blend tool to select three-way or four-way mixes for on-farm testing.

Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles.

Creating Connections to Advance Integrated Pest Management We are establishing a network of farms to share knowledge and data on the application and impact of IPM strategies with the aim to better understand the effectiveness of IPM approaches on farm yield and profitability, and support sustainable, productive systems with no pesticide inputs wasted. We’ve had some initial funding from Defra to design the network, and now we are moving into a pilot phase. 

The encyclopaedia provides at-a-glance information on the pests and natural enemies associated with cropping systems.

Docks are perennial weeds that compete with forages of nutritional importance for livestock production.

This guidance documents provides advice on IPM measures for pulses insect pests and diseases.

Agroforestry systems, where productive trees are integrated into agricultural land, can deliver benefits to biodiversity, natural pest control, and pollination.

Choosing practical and impactful integrated pest management (IPM) approaches and tools is essential. However, putting IPM research into practice in a commercial farm situation can be challenging.

Help us to understand attitudes towards SFI schemes and IPM uptake by completing this survey. Anyone completing the survey is entitled to claim a £10 voucher.

Healthy soils are important for the future of crop production in Europe and healthy crop rotations are a pre-requisite to maintain, improve or restore soil health. Nematodes and soil-borne pathogens are causing a threat to soil health. The decision support tools developed by the EU thematic network Best4Soil help the sustainable control of these threats.

Biofumigation involves incorporating brassicaceous cover crops into the soil.

The IPMWORKS e-learning modules have been prepared based on successful experiences within the project network, including technical aspects of IPM strategies, farm performance or co-innovation and method for farm hub coaching, targeting both farmers and advisers.

This manual provides an in-depth review of the applications of crop rotation-including improving soil quality and health, and managing pests, diseases, and weeds.

A series of case study booklets compiled through the IPM Works project.

The introduction of natural enemies (biological controls) has become a common method for dealing with certain pests.

In February 2024, the European Commission announced the withdrawal of the proposed Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR). This had detailed the goal to reduce the use of and risk derived from chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030, to which many EU funded projects are already contributing.  Despite the withdrawal of the SUR, ambitions to avoid and/or minimise applications of pesticides, and support alternative approaches as part of holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies remain valid.  This online symposium will highlight the role played by collaborative Green Deal projects in the effort to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides, and to showcase recent research and impact achieved across Europe. The symposium will bring together farmers, advisors, researchers and policy-makers to find common ground and consider policy recommendations for the future of Sustainable Use of Pesticides in Europe.   Date    28 June 2024 Time    09:00 - 12:00 UK time ONLINE - registration required to receive link to join. 

These documents are designed for use by growers and agronomists in Europe to inform them on smart technologies and methodologies available to them for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions in open-field and greenhouse systems.

Biodiverse farming; making agro-ecology work for farmers, public and animal health and the environment

Dr Mark Ramsden (ADAS) talks about the EU IPM Decisions and IPMWORKS projects, which together are supporting reduction of pesticide use across Europe

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic whole-farm approach to help mitigate the likelihood of pest, weed and disease pressure in a farming system. (Agricology)

Our guidance covers major and minor diseases that affect wheat, barley, oats, rye and triticale. (AHDB)

Because variables such as temperature and humidity have a profound effect on the activity of crop pests, diseases and natural enemies, the ability to monitor environmental conditions within a crop has always been important for crop protection.

This 16-page bulletin helps producers—and the educators who work with them—use ecological principles to design farm-wide approaches to control pests.

Join us for our drop in-webinar Tuesday 2nd July 15:00-15:30 for a Q&A on in-field assessments, gathering representative samples for pest and disease analysis and to find out more about IPM NET. Register here

This webinar, part of an EU project, Liveseeding working on organic seed use and quality, and delivered by Bingenheimer Saatgut AG aims to explain the procedure, effects and efficiency of hot water treatments, critical points to avoid damaging seed, and equipment needed for treating seed on small and larger scales.

The 6th Symposium of Potato Cyst Nematode Management will cover many aspects, including international distribution, genetic diversity, sampling and decision making, population dynamics, diagnostics, integrated management, biology and application of resistance, use of effectors, rotational control, chemical control, biological control and novel control methods such as RNAi and biofumigation.

 ‘Management to Promote Flowering Understoreys Benefits Natural Enemy Diversity, Aphid Suppression and Income in an Agroforestry System,’

Pre-registration sign up: https://forms.office.com/e/D3gRpBrpFg BASIS and NRoSO points have been applied for.  

The Fungicide Resistance Action Group (FRAG) produces guidance on pesticide resistance issues. Hosted by AHDB, this information can be used to help protect crops and the long-term efficacy of fungicides.

Learn about organic fruit production with this podcast

Explore pest and disease data and information collected over 50 years with the Defra Pest & Disease Survey website.

As part of the development of the IPM Decisions platform, we carried out additional research and development both on the technical and social aspects relating to improving access to and uptake of decision support systems for IPM.   The results of this work have been published, and links are provided below.  

There are lots of tools and resources online, designed to help agricultural and forestry advisors support good farming and forestry practice. Many of these resources can be found using search engines – but this will not find everything, and may not represent current best practice. That is why we are creating a new digital service bringing together current best practices in forestry and farming from across Europe – the EU Advisory Platform.

The IPMWORK network connects farmers and advisors across Europe.  Developed based on LEAF and other existing networks, a series of IPM Hubs have supported farmers advancing their IPM programmes.  Below are a series of summaries of progress made, and the facilitation approaches used, to help others find the IPM approaches that work for them.  Follow the links to further information about each Hubs progress in the IPMWORKS Toolbox. There is a summary booklet availalbe for each Hub: Scottish Hub Booklet attached as an example. 

Published in 1999, this report forms part of the work associated with the Integrated Farming systems (IFS) project (1992-1998). The aim of the study was to determine whether there is any difference between the riskiness of IFS and conventional systems in terms of spring spraying opportunities and its effects on production and the environment.. Herbicides were chosen as the 'role model'. The study looks at spraying opportunities and requirements at IFS sites (Hampshire, Cambridgeshire x 2, Herefordshire, Yorkshire and Midlothian. It seeks to apply the rotations to 2 different sized farms of 200 and 350 hectares and finally looks at the risk implications of each situation.  

Widely present in many horticultural and arable fields, slugs can damage crops all year round. With impacts on yield and/or quality potentially severe, it is important to suppress populations of these mollusc menaces.