Develop sustainable IPM strategies.

Sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies have gained increasing attention in modern agriculture, aiming to minimize the reliance on conventional chemistries and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. Biostimulants and beneficial soil bacteria have emerged as promising components of sustainable IPM approaches. Biostimulants, which are substances derived from natural sources, enhance plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. When combined with mixtures of beneficial soil bacteria, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), these strategies offer multiple benefits. PGPR establishes symbiotic relationships with plants, stimulating their growth, improving nutrient uptake, and enhancing their defense mechanisms against insects and diseases. By integrating biostimulants and beneficial soil bacteria into IPM strategies, farmers can effectively reduce their reliance on synthetic chemicals, enhance crop resilience, improve soil health, and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, these approaches have the potential to mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with conventional pesticide use and promote the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems for the Rio Grande Valley.