Integrated Plant Pest Management in the Kingdom

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach used to address pest problems while minimizing risks to humans and the environment. IPM focuses on the long-term prevention of pests and their harm through a combination of techniques, including: biological control, reducing pest breeding sources, modifying agricultural practices, using resistant crop varieties, crop rotation, adjusting planting and harvest times, legislative control, and mechanical and physical methods.

Pesticides are used only when monitoring indicates a need for them, and according to guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. This includes selecting the appropriate pesticide, adhering to application rates, and observing pre-harvest intervals. Treatments are applied with the goal of targeting the specific pest only, and in ways that minimize risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. To strengthen plant health, protect plant wealth, reduce pest-related risks, and improve early warning and emergency response capabilities, a comprehensive national system for monitoring plant pests has been developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A National Plant Pest Monitoring Plan was launched for the period 2025-2027, aiming to establish an effective system for pest detection and response, in line with international plant health standards and national legislation and regulations. The plan focuses on monitoring (61) targeted plant pests and implementing (30) monitoring programs for quarantine pests and (22) programs for regulated non-quarantine pests. It also includes specialized programs for economically significant pests and the development of detailed technical manuals for pests affecting the production of promising crops in the Kingdom. These include a manual for fall armyworm and another for coffee crop pests, supporting field efforts to protect these strategic crops. These programs and manuals are implemented across various agricultural and natural areas of the Kingdom and involve

Coordinated use of multiple methods to control a single pest or pest complexes; Through: solid understanding of the pest, the crop, and the surrounding environment, and incorporating that knowledge into a time-bound action plan before making control decisions.

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Protect human and animal health.  

Prevent the development of pest resistance.  

Preserve high-quality, pesticide-residue-free products that are competitive in the market.  

Conserve natural enemies and ecological balance among all living organisms.  

Reduce pesticide use by applying them only when necessary and at the appropriate time.  

Strengthen the role of natural enemies within the ecosystem.  

Reduce production costs and increase income levels.