When pesticides are needed, an important component of any IPM program is to choose products that have the fewest detrimental characteristics possible. Because pesticide often come with hidden costs that are hard to measure (called externalities by economists), there is more to choosing a product than just price shopping and comparing efficacy. Some of these associated costs include:

• new secondary pest problems
• resurgence of the original pest population due to a lack of natural enemies
• pest resistance
• safety and regulatory expenses
• chemical residues
• adverse impacts on crop growth
• health related risks (especially to the applicator)
• ground and surface water pollution
• land devaluation because of real or perceived hazards.

Human health, environment concerns, and delayed financial costs are all important considerations in choosing pesticides wisely. Here is a list of some of the chemical qualities that an IPM educator might consider when recommending pesticides to a farm manager:

• rate of active ingredient required per acre
• mammalian toxicity
• long-term health effects
• range of efficacy across pest complex
• price per acre
• chemical solubility and half-life (leaching potential)
• soil adsorption (runoff) potential
• toxicity to bees, birds, fish and natural enemies
• mode of action (i.e. for resistance management).
  

In the last few years there have been several new, effective pesticide options that have become available in sweet corn production that can be combined to produce a reduced rate and reduced risk sweet corn program. Here is an example of one such herbicide/insecticide program that you may want to consider to replace the current program on your farm or simply to rest your favorite products for resistance management purposes.

Cornell University researchers designed a method of comparing different pesticides, by considering and rating many of the above mentioned chemical qualities and crunching them through an equation which spits out a single number or index they call a Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ). You can look up and compare the EIQ for most fruit and vegetable pesticides by going to their web site.

By Jude Boucher, Vegetable IPM Coordinator, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.