In our environment a pest is any organism causing a measurable deterioration in the esthetical or functional value of turfgrass or plants. Pests include weeds, disease-causing organisms, some insects, and other destructive organisms.
Inevitably, when pests are mentioned, pesticides are considered as important means for achieving control. Pesticides are valuable components of a cultural programme but pest management includes more than simply selecting and applying the appropriate pesticide to control specific organisms. Many pests are, in effect, controlled without the use of pesticides as long as the plant is healthy and the correct IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programme is being used.