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Non-pesticidal Management (NPM) describes various pest-control techniques which do not rely on pesticides. It is used in organic production of foodstuff, as well as in other situations in which the introduction of toxins is undesirable. Instead of the use of synthetic toxins, pest control is achieved by biological means.
Some examples of Non-Pesticidal Management techniques include:
- Introduction of natural predators.
- Use of naturally occurring insecticides, such as Neem tree products,[1] Margosa, Tulsi / Basil Leaf, Citrus Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Onion, Garlic spray, Essential Oils. These also refer to as Organic Pesticides.
- Use of trap crops which attract the insects away from the fields. The trap crops are regularly checked and pests are manually removed.
- Pest larvae which were killed by viruses can be crushed and sprayed over fields, thus killing the remaining larvae.
- Field sanitation.
- Timely sowing.
- Nutrient management.
- Maintain proper plant population.
- Soil solarisation
- Deep summer ploughing.
Over years insects have withstood natural calamities and survived successfully. They are able to develop resistance to chemical pesticides insecticides used by farmers. To be successful, farmers should be knowledgeable and able to identify various crop pests, and their natural enemies (farmer’s friendly insects). Farmers should recognize different stages of insects and their behavior. The efforts to minimize pests should aim at restoring the natural balance of insects in crop ecosystem but not elimination of the pest.