Let’s first have a look at the definitions of “Integrated Pest Management” and “Pest”.
A definition of IPM
Integrated Pest Management* means the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment. IPM emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms.
A definition of “Pest”
The term Pest is often used for animals causing damage or annoyance to man, his animals, crops or possessions, such as insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, birds. However in phrases such as “integrated pest management” and “pest control”, the term pest is used in a broader sense to mean all harmful organisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses and virus-like organisms, and weeds.
* Source: International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides (Revised Version) (adopted by the Hundred and Twenty-third Session of the FAO Council in November 2002)