New coping strategies for agrometeorological risks and uncertainties in integrated pest management (Ramakrishna, Y. S. (Yezzu Sri))

The paper outlines some approaches for coping with the agrometeorological risks and uncertainties associated with integrated pest management, based on the Australian experience with canola. The need to understand the linkage between climate and pest cycles is discussed, as is the need to include factors relating to local farming practice and farm economy in the risk assessment process. Areas for further study, such as the relationship between macro- and microclimate, and the timing of pesticide application, are outlined. A major focus of Australian research is the optimisation of natural controls relating to informed planting strategies, and the minimisation of pesticide application through the prediction of climatic influences, in the interests of sustainable and cost effective control of disease agents. Some epidemiological and risk management perspectives for building capacity to support this concept are outlined.