Integrated Weed Control Project

Integrated Weed Management

The Integrated Weed Control Project promotes the use of integrated weed management methods, including biological control, throughout Washington State at no cost to landowners and land managers. We focus on biological control specifically, but biological control is not appropriate for all weeds in all situations. It is just one of several weed management methods that make up an effective, integrated weed management strategy.

Integrated Weed Management, or IWM, is a strategy for long-term weed suppression. It is not a silver bullet, but rather a decision-making process that is done on a site by site basis, is done continuously and is altered as conditions change. IWM is ecologically based; weed management decisions are made based on a number of factors including infestation levels, patch size, terrain/ease of access, biological life stage of the weed, age of infestation, desired speed and level of control, and weed management tools available. In most cases a combination of weed suppression tools or methods is more effective than a single method used alone.

Weed management methods:

Regardless of which weed suppression tools are used, prevention should be a part of every IWM strategy. It is always less expensive and less damaging to the ecosystem to prevent infestations than to manage them after they establish. Steps for prevention include: making sure weed seeds are not carried in contaminated crop seed, manure, feed or machinery; preventing existing weeds from going to seed; controlling weeds along fence lines and roadways; and removing weed fragments from machinery and boats. Periodic surveys for newly invading weeds are also an important part of prevention.

If you would like more information about IWM or would like assistance creating a IWM strategy to manage your weed infestation, please contact your county weed control program or contact us.


Updated 6-4-09

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IWCP ,WSU Extension, 2606 W Pioneer, Puyallup WA 98371, 253-445-4657, Contact Us