Resources
Extension IPM strives to keep the most up-to-date resources online and accessible for everyone. This page is intended to help navigate to the IPM department that specializes in your area of interest. If the answer you're searching for isn't here, general questions and plant inquiries can be directed to the Schutter Diagnostic Lab.
Extension IPM Programs
Below is a brief overview of the MSU Extension IPM family of programs. Selecting a department title will direct you to its home page. Note that many of these links are available in the left column, or at the top of the page on mobile devices.
- Identification of plants, insects, and mushrooms
- Diagnosis of plant disease, insect damage, and environmental problems
- Visual assessment of herbicide injury
- Sample Submissions
- Educational resources regarding pesticide use, management, labels, and law
- Health, safety, and the environment
- Montana Private Applicator Training
- Resources
- Mangold Laboratory
- Rangeland restoration
- Invasive plant containment and prevention
- Resources
- Securing the environmental sustainability of cropping systems
- Solutions for ag professionals
- Information on weed ecology and management
- Resources
- Diagnosis and treatment of plant diseases
- Improving agricultural biosecurity
- Diagnostic hub
- Resources
- Upcoming IPM Training
- Event Calendar
- News from Social Media
- IPM on YouTube
- Montana AgCast
- Video Training for Extension Specialists
Extension Alerts
The latest agricultural alerts from MSU Extension and the Urban Integrated Pest Management Extension. Up-to-date alerts are available on the website, by email subscription, and via text message.
Important agricultural news and educational events in Montana. Topics include soil fertility, water quality, weeds, pesticide education, and other matters surrounding modern plant cultivation.
The latest information and events involving urban integrated pest management. These alerts cover topics such as nursery and lawn care, arboriculture, landscape, and sustainability.
A Guide to Pests, Problems, and Identification of Ornamental Shrubs and Trees in Montana
This new guide is designed as a resource for identifying and managing common pests and problems that may impact trees and shrubs in Montana residential areas. It also provides information to identify our most frequently planted trees and shrubs.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
Field sampling at the Northern Agricultural Research Center. Photo by Uta McKelvy. Larger image.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The four main principles of IPM are to: identify and monitor pests, set action thresholds, formulate an action plan for managing pests, and evaluate and modify the action plan.
The MSU Extension family of IPM departments service the state of Montana with the latest available information, technology, tools, and techniques, for environments ranging from backyard gardens, to commercial agriculture, to indoor businesses. This website is a gateway to Montana IPM specialists and educators.