Association of Applied IPM Ecologists

Weekly Focus

Association of Applied Insect Ecologists (AAIE)

The Association of Applied IPM Ecologists (AAIE) was established in 1967 to allow practitioners of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to exchange philosophical ideas and technical information. Today, AAIE's 300-plus members lead the development, adoption and implementation of IPM. Under the guidance of AAIE, professionals, agriculturalists and horticulturalists are better informed and equipped to raise plants within sound environmental principles.

Control of destructive insects is vital for the production of the bountiful harvests needed today. Pesticides have done their job well, allowing the U.S. to produce the highest quality and quantity of food and fiber in the world.

Since the 1950's, many entomologists have suspected that pesticides could negatively impact the environment. These practitioners believe that farmers can produce high quality crops using fewer pesticides and working with the natural balance of nature. This concept came to be known as Integrated Pest Management or IPM.

IPM practices integrate the use of natural predators, economic thresholds, crop monitoring and cultural practices with or without the use of pesticides. The result of a successful IPM program is effective pest control with a minimum impact to the environment, crop or people.

To successfully adopt IPM, farmers and horticulturalists must have informed advisors, effective and practical methods, and a ready source of information. AAIE was founded to serve those needs.

Association of Applied Insect Ecologists (AAIE)
Annika Forester, Executive Director
PO Box 526
Oxnard, CA 93032-0526
805-483-6246

»Click here to visit the AAIE web site.

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