Understanding Economic Damage, Economic Injury Level, and Economic Threshold in Pest Management: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions


 In the world of agriculture, it's crucial to have a good understanding of economic damage, economic injury level (EIL), and economic threshold (ET). These terms may sound similar, but they have different meanings and implications in pest management.


Economic damage refers to the actual yield loss or damage caused by a pest or disease. It is the point at which the cost of controlling the pest outweighs the value of the crop saved. This is an important concept in determining the economic impact of a pest and whether or not it is worth investing in control measures.


On the other hand, EIL is the pest population level at which the cost of control equals the expected value of the damage caused by the pest. In other words, it is the pest density at which the economic damage is just about to occur. At this point, it is economical to start implementing control measures to prevent further yield loss.


Lastly, ET is the pest density or population level at which control measures should be applied to prevent the pest population from reaching the EIL. It is the threshold at which the cost of control is lower than the cost of economic damage. The ET is typically set lower than the EIL to allow time for the control measures to take effect and prevent the pest population from reaching damaging levels.


The objectives of ET can vary depending on the situation. There are three main types of ET: prevention, suppression, and eradication.


Prevention ET aims to prevent a pest from establishing in a certain area. This is important in preventing the spread of invasive species or diseases that can have significant economic impacts.


Suppression ET aims to keep the pest population below the EIL. This is important in reducing economic damage and maintaining a sustainable level of pest control.


Eradication ET aims to completely eliminate the pest population. This is important in situations where the pest is causing significant economic damage or poses a threat to the environment or human health.


Economic damage, EIL, and ET are all important concepts in pest management. Understanding these terms and their implications can help farmers and pest managers make informed decisions about pest control measures and help maintain sustainable agricultural practices.






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