While IPM (integrative pest management) programs are commonly used, some say the method doesn’t go far enough, according to the Pesticide Education Program at Washington State University. Many of the sick plants submitted to the school for diagnosis are not suffering from insect pest or disease organisms.
Instead, WSU endorses PHC (plant health care), which the school describes as a more holistic way of treating landscapes. The method takes an ecosystem approach and emphasizes working with nature instead of fighting nature.
Here are a few guidelines for PHC:
- Identify and list all plants in the yard. Do some research to learn more about the plants. The best way to treat plants is to know about their cultural needs, likely pest problems and common environmental problems.
- You can then determine key problems, both biotic (living organisms including insects, fungi, slugs and deer) and abiotic (non-living factors including weather, fertility and irrigation). These are most likely to impact plant health and require attention.
- Study the landscape ecosystem, including climatic factors, soil and drainage.
- Because landscapes are dynamic, they will need to be monitored frequently – at least every two weeks during the growing season and about once a month during the winter. Pay attention to signs of plant stress.
- With the knowledge that has been obtained, you can start the process of optimizing plant health. Select pest resistant plant species, match plants to the existing climatic and soil conditions and include a diversity of plant species to limit infestations. Employ good cultural practices: improve soil conditions by using organic matter and mulches, practice correct planting methods and pay careful attention to watering fertilizing and pruning.
For more information, visit http://pep.wsu.edu/factsheet/phc.html