Examples from perennial and annual crops in temperate and tropical conditio
ns are used to illustrate the research and development approaches that have
contributed to use and integration of host plant resistance and biological
, cultural and chemical controls. The evidence shows how successes in IPM h
ave depended upon classical experimental approaches continually responding
to changing constraints and to novel discoveries, which are being applied i
ncreasingly efficiently and intelligently to farm practice. Future developm
ents are discussed in the context of past experience and new technologies.
Recent developments of important new approaches that could help revolutioni
ze management of some pest complexes, in particular genetic engineering, se
miochemicals and bioinsecticides, are discussed. Much attention has been de
voted to strategic modelling in the IPM context which aims to provide novel
insights, but there is little evidence of its value to practical IPM; inst
ead it could be used unwisely to encourage accumulation of unnecessary info
rmation. In contrast, tactical models are proving increasingly valuable in
forecasting the need for and timing of applied controls. Whilst there have
been some outstanding developments in practical application of IPM in many
developed countries where the ultimate goal is to decrease over-reliance on
conventional insecticides, evidence shows that in many developing countrie
s, where the goal is an ecologically sound mix of non-chemical and chemical
methods, there remains a crucial need for much more appropriate research a
nd implementation, especially in small farm conditions. (C) 2000 Elsevier S
cience Ltd. All rights reserved.