Nov 30, 2024

Integrated plant health management strengthens crop resilience

Integrated plant health management (IPHM) builds upon integrated pest management (IPM) by combining plant nutrition, stress tolerance, and biological tools. This holistic approach turns plants into active players in crop protection and improves the performance of biological products.

How plant nutrition supports IPHM

Crop performance declines when plants experience stress. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases, while over fertilization and over watering often trigger these conditions. High nitrogen fertilization supports pest populations, while excessive moisture increases the risk of foliar and root diseases.

Even advanced production systems cannot eliminate all stress factors. For example, greenhouse lettuce thrives under controlled conditions, but shifts in transpiration rates can reduce calcium uptake. Foliar calcium supplements help prevent deficiencies and maintain strong tissue development.

Calcium also plays a critical role in preventing pathogens like botrytis. Because calcium strengthens cell walls, deficiencies can lead to necrosis and weak margins along leaves or petals. These weak points often serve as infection sites. By increasing calcium availability during key growth phases, growers can make plants more tolerant to botrytis and other diseases.

Anticipating stress and pest pressure

Anticipating stress events and pest outbreaks is critical to protecting crop yield and plant health. By identifying risks early and taking preventative steps, growers reduce losses and increase profitability. Integrated plant health management helps growers implement proactive strategies that address both abiotic and biotic pressures.

The role of biologicals in IPHM

A strong plant health strategy delivers benefits that go beyond pest suppression. Biostimulants improve plant vigor, while biological control products become more effective when paired with good nutrition and cultural practices.

Biologicals add significant value to greenhouse production systems. However, they require proper application techniques and should be integrated into broader management programs. When combined with IPHM, biologicals provide versatile and effective tools for pest and disease control. Microbial-based products also contribute additional benefits that enhance overall plant performance.

A holistic strategy for grower success

Integrated plant health management emphasizes a systems-based approach. By aligning plant nutrition, proactive stress management, and biological control, growers strengthen crop resilience and reduce dependency on reactive inputs. This balanced strategy positions plants as active partners in production, creating more profitable and sustainable outcomes.

Written by Michael Brownbridge, Julie Graesch and Mark Freeman

• Michael Brownbridge, Ph.D., is biological program manager of disease control.
• Julie Graesch is biological program manager of insect control for BioWorks.
• Mark Freeman is biological program manager of applied technology.