The IPMP program is intended to assist mint growers, consultants, and others <BR>
with decisions on how best to manage insects and mites on mint.  IPMP is <BR>
designed to provide information on:  1) identification of the major pest and <BR>
beneficial species in mint, 2) life cycles and habits, 3) sampling and monitoring, <BR>
4) treatment thresholds, and 5) management and control tactics.  IPMP includes <BR>
information on foliage feeding insects and mites including variegated cutworm <BR>
and other cutworms/armyworms, loopers, aphids, and spider mites, and on the <BR>
major root and rhizome feeding pests such as mint root borer, strawberry root <BR>
weevil, mint flea beetle, redbacked cutworm, mint stem borer, wireworms, and <BR>
symphylans.  More detailed information on management of these and other <BR>
pests on mint is contained in the 1993 publication:  A Guide to Peppermint <BR>
Insect and Mite Identification and Management, which is available from the <BR>
publication offices either at Oregon State University in Corvallis or at <BR>
Washington State University in Pullman.<P>
Correct pest management decisions depend on an understanding of many <BR>
related factors, including:  1) stage(s) of the pests, 2) their density and <BR>
distribution in the field, 3) presence or absence of beneficial insects and mites, <BR>
4) occurrence of other pests such as plant diseases, nematodes, and weeds, 5) <BR>
the stage and health of the crop, and 6) the alternatives available to control the <BR>
pest(s), if and when necessary.  <P>
In mint, proper management of insects and mites is based on the following <BR>
approaches:  1) planting pest-free root stock, 2) correctly identifying pests and <BR>
beneficials, 3) sampling and monitoring pests and beneficials, 4) protecting <BR>
beneficial insects and mites, 5) employing cultural practices when possible, <BR>
such as flaming, tillage, and crop rotation, and 6) using insecticides as a last <BR>
resort, and only when necessary based on treatment thresholds.<P>
Pest management begins with accurate identification of insects and mites.  <BR>
Incorrect identification can result in the needless use of an insecticide and <BR>
destruction of beneficial predators and parasites.  Mint fields must be inspected <BR>
on a regular basis to establish population trends and to determine whether or <BR>
not control is necessary.  The use of treatment thresholds will reduce the <BR>
unnecessary use of insecticides, which will save money, protect natural <BR>
predators and parasites and delay the development of insecticide resistance.  <BR>
Natural parasites and predators may be sufficiently abundant in some mint <BR>
fields to suppress pest populations without the use of insecticides or miticides.  <BR>
This guide was prepared to help individuals accurately identify and sample mint <BR>
pests and beneficial insects and mites, and to develop sound pest management <BR>
decisions based on treatment thresholds.  It emphasizes insects and mites on <BR>
peppermint, but several of the same pests and beneficial insects and mites also <BR>
occur on spearmint.  Identification of pests and sampling procedures are similar <BR>
in peppermint and spearmint, but additional research is needed to develop <BR>
treatment thresholds for pests on spearmint.<P>