THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN A MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

Abstract

As part of the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management program in a public school system, an inventory of woody plants was created for 12 schools and key plants and key pests in the landscape were identified. In addition, the use of alternative tactics was examined for the control of insect and weed problems. The cost and efficacy of hand removal of bagworms (<em>Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis</em>) from Leyland cypress (X <em>Cupressocyparis leylandii</em>) was compared to chemical treatment. Both treatments were effective, but handpicking was more costly. The efficacy and costs of the natural product based herbicides glufosinate, pelargonic acid, and acetic acid were compared to glyphosate for weed control in hardscape areas. The natural alternatives were effective, but at a higher cost. An alternative management program that eliminated the use of preemergent herbicides for weed control on athletic fields was also studied. The alternative program did not yield satisfactory results.