Integrated Disease Management (IDM)

Beyond single-spray solutions

IDM combines genetics, agronomy, and chemistry to keep disease below economic injury level — not elimination of all pathogens.

Hierarchy of controls

1. Host resistance — plant resistant or tolerant cultivars.
2. Cultural — rotation, sanitation, spacing for airflow.
3. Biological — antagonistic microbes (e.g., Bacillus spp.).
4. Chemical — fungicides timed to infection periods.

Monitoring

Scout fields weekly. Weather-based models (e.g., for apple scab) predict infection windows so sprays occur only when needed — saving cost and reducing environmental impact.