An IPM system seeks to implement socially responsible and economically feasible methods of reducing agricultural pests and promoting sustainable agriculture for the preservation of the environment. Management options include crop rotation, cultivating beneficial weeds, releasing beneficial insects or parasites to control other pests, using plant disease-resistant varieties, and chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
Pros include the potential for increased production and improved quality of crops, lower incidences of pesticides in the environment, and possible reduction of farming costs. Cons include live and/or dead pests in harvested produce, additional time spent on crops, and inconsistent results.
