Abstract
Man's efforts at containing the effects of garden and store pests date back to prehistoric times due to losses that accrue from them. These losses range from destruction in the farm, store and at the consumers' place. These pests destroy crops by boring holes into seeds and fruits, eat up young seedlings, fruits and roots, and interfere with the natural physiology of plants thereby reducing both the quality and quantity of produce. Due to the injuries caused, man's effort has been to kill, control or repel the pests using various methods and strategies including chemical, biological, cultural, mechanical among others. They all yielded results at various rates, however, chemical method left serious hazards on human health and environment. Then the introduction of a combination of methods at varying times and quantities, hence the use of integrated pest management (IPM). The basic components of IPM include determination of types and levels of infestation, acceptance level, cultural and regulatory practices for control, monitoring and scouting, genetic modification of crops and animals. Other methods include mechanical, physical, biological and lastly, regulated pesticide application when other methods proved abortive. The study adopted review of relevant literature through various search engines in a narrative form within a time range of 2015 – 2023. Areas such as components, sustainability elements, challenges and strategies for sustainable use were discussed. Effective adoption and proper coordination of all IPM strategies in agricultural, residential, public areas and wild lands, gives a more cost-effective means of managing pests with low risk to natural resources and sustainable healthy food production.
Key Words: Adoption, Environment, Healthy Food Production.
Publication Date: 2023-09-09