IPARC
Encyclopedia
The International Pesticide Application Research Consortium (IPARC), previously the International Pesticide Application Research Centre and before that the Overseas Spray Machinery Centre (OSMC), has focused on pesticide application
methods appropriate for smallholder farmers since 1955. It is now a research and training group whose purpose is to promote practical and cost-effective techniques, wherever possible reducing the use of chemical pesticide
s, as part of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). IPARC has been an integral part of pesticide research and teaching at Silwood Park
and has specialised in the needs of small-holder farmers, application techniques for migrant pests
and control of disease vectors. IPARC is a World Health Organisation (WHO) collaborating centre.
Pesticide application
Pesticide application refers to the practical way in which pesticides, are delivered to their biological targets...
methods appropriate for smallholder farmers since 1955. It is now a research and training group whose purpose is to promote practical and cost-effective techniques, wherever possible reducing the use of chemical pesticide
Pesticide
Pesticides are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.A pesticide may be a chemical unicycle, biological agent , antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest...
s, as part of Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management is an ecological approach to agricultural pest control that integrates pesticides/herbicides into a management system incorporating a range of practices for economic control of a pest...
(IPM). IPARC has been an integral part of pesticide research and teaching at Silwood Park
Silwood Park
Silwood Park is the rural campus of Imperial College London, England. It is situated near the village of Sunninghill, near Ascot in Berkshire. Since 1986, there have been major developments on the site with four new college buildings...
and has specialised in the needs of small-holder farmers, application techniques for migrant pests
Locust
Locusts are the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acrididae. These are species that can breed rapidly under suitable conditions and subsequently become gregarious and migratory...
and control of disease vectors. IPARC is a World Health Organisation (WHO) collaborating centre.
Objectives
Besides teaching at postgraduate level and carrying out bespoke training, staff carry-out consultancy work for international organisations and commercial companies. Core expertise includes:- Long-standing knowledge base on selection and use of sprayers appropriate for the developing world and seeing pesticide application as part of Integrated Pest ManagementIntegrated Pest ManagementIntegrated pest management is an ecological approach to agricultural pest control that integrates pesticides/herbicides into a management system incorporating a range of practices for economic control of a pest...
(IPM) . - Pinpointing the target for control techniques: and bridging the gap between laboratory and field via appropriate formulation and application; this has proved especially valuable in the development of biological pesticides (e.g. participation in LUBILOSALUBILOSALUBILOSA was the name of a research programme that aimed at developing a biological alternative to the chemical control of locusts. This name is an acronym of the French title of the programme: Lutte Biologique contre les Locustes et les Sauteriaux...
). - Making application technology more accurate - research on development of nozzles, etc.
- Ensuring quality of equipment - standards setting for application equipment and sprayer testing to ensure users get value for money .
- IPARC’s activities are endorsed by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) and they include evaluation of applicationPesticide applicationPesticide application refers to the practical way in which pesticides, are delivered to their biological targets...
equipment (e.g. compression sprayers) used for mosquito controlMosquito controlMosquito control manages the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health, economies, and enjoyment. Mosquito control is a vital public-health practice throughout the world and especially in the tropics because mosquitoes spread many diseases, such as malaria.Mosquito-control...
. - Participatory trainingTrainingThe term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...
of farmers and trainers; providing manuals & books to assist in IPM training world-wide.