Association of Applied Insect Ecologists

The Association of Applied IPM Ecologists established in 1967 to enable practitioners of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to exchange philosophical conceptions and technical information. Under the direction of AAIE, professionals, farmers and horticulturists are better apprised and equipped to grow plants in ecological principles. Controlling destructive insects is vital for the engenderment of crops. Pesticides have done their job, sanctioning the United States to engender the highest quality and quantity of fibre and food in the world. Since the 1950s, many entomologists have suspected that pesticides can have a negative impact on the environment. These practitioners believe that farmers can produce high quality crops utilizing fewer pesticides and working with the natural balance of nature. This method came to be known as the Integrated Pest Management or IPM. It practices integrate the utilization of natural predators, economic thresholds, monitoring of cultures and cultural practices with or without the utilization of pesticides.