University of Georgia
IN-12: Pest Management Certification

The goal of the Georgia IPM program is to utilize a science-based decision making process to increase the implementation of IPM practices in Georgia agriculture in order to minimize environmental and economic risks from pests and pest management strategies. The IPM program works to achieve this goal through: 1.Development of integrated pest management plans through specialized research and innovation and 2.Effective communication with growers, commodity groups, and regional and national IPM centers Management practices are focused on reducing human health and environmental risks associated with pest management, and improving the cost benefit of IPM practices for producers. Specifically, the IPM program works to develop new pest management strategies, provide education to both public and private entities, and to promote implementation and adoption of these practices through extension. IPM is a systems-based approach to managing pest populations, which minimizes economic, environmental, and public health risks. IPM focuses on incorporating all management strategies (chemical, mechanical, biological, cultural) in order to maintain pest populations below an economic threshold. Extension and research personnel from the University of Georgia, in cooperation with growers, suppliers, homeowners and other stakeholder groups, have teamed up to create a comprehensive IPM program for the state of Georgia. UGA's IPM program specifically addresses the EPA's four-tiered plan in the following sections of the "University of Georgia Grounds Department Integrated Pest Management Program," updated January 25, 2015: 1. Set Action Thresholds Section E: Determination of acceptable level of pest damage or infestations and point at which corrective measures will be implemented 2. Monitor and Identify Pests Section B: Evaluation of campus zones for pest and maintenance problems Section C: Training of lead personnel in proper identification of plant health problems Section D: Utilize appropriate cultural practices to enhance plant growth and performance Section F: Identify problems that recur to the point of making the ornamental or turf decline 3. Prevention Section D: Utilize appropriate cultural practices to enhance plant growth and performance Section I: Develop landscape plantings that are less susceptible to insect, disease, and weed pests 4. Control Section F: Identify problems that recur to the point of making the ornamental or turf decline Section G: Pesticide application guidelines Section H: Fertilizer Applications