Choosing right from wrong with pest management for greater plant health

Kristen Sindelar
May 17, 2025
May 17, 2025

(E) IPM 2.jpg — A healthy gardening environment will attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
Submitted photo by Maria Austin

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You cannot always be right, but making the right decisions can be a matter of life or death for plants when facing pests in the garden or landscape.

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(E) IPM 1.JPG — Attracting beneficial bugs like ladybeetles can help manage populations of other insects that feed on plants, such as aphids.
Submitted photo by Kristen Sindelar

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(E) IPM 3.JPG — Cabbageworms feasted on this developing cabbage plant.
Submitted photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.