Structure of RiceIPM

RiceIPM aims to provide farmers, extension agents, researchers and students with information and interactive tools to improve their knowledge and skills in integrated pest. An unwanted organism which competes with people for food and shelter, or threatens their health, comfort, or welfare. management. To achieve this aim, we have first attempted to determine what the knowledge and skill requirements are for making informed pest management decisions and then designed RiceIPM to meet these needs. Four steps are involved in this process.

1. What are the options for rice IPM?
2. What key knowledge and skills are required for competency in IPM?
3. How does RiceIPM provide training and decision support in key areas of competency for rice IPM practitioners?
4. How does RiceIPM provide support material for researchers and extension officers?

Each step is addressed below.

Options for rice IPM

The practical implementation of IPM in rice is achieved by farmers making crop management and crop protection decisions to disrupt the development of pest populations and reduce their impact on crop yield, crop quality and crop revenue. Some of the IPM options available throughout the cropping cycle are indicated below. What you need to know to make informed decisions on IPM practice.

Key components of rice IPM.

Key knowledge and skills are required for competency in IPM

Rice farmers and their advisers need to have key knowledge and skills to be competent in IPM or to give sound IPM advice. In making decisions or giving advice on IPM, farmers and advisers need to:

1. Understand the ecology of pests.
2. Know how to best check the rice crop.
3. Be able to diagnose crop problems and identify pests and beneficial organisms.
4. Be aware of key information about specific pests and beneficials.
5. Know how pests cause damage to the crop and how the rice crop can compensate.
6. Be aware of the options for managing pests, how effective these management options are and what effect they can have on beneficials, human health and the environment.
7. Be competent in the skills required to correctly implement IPM practices.
8. Be able to assess the costs and benefits of implementing crop protection measures.
9. Be able to test their understanding and knowledge of key IPM issues.