Integrated Crop Management (ICM)
About the expertise
In short- Prevention & resilience
- Monitoring & decision support
- Biological control agents & biopesticides
- Targeted use of chemistry
- Demonstration in practice
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is an approach to managing pests and diseases in arable and horticultural crops. It aims to build resilient production systems with minimal reliance on chemical crop protection. This is essential for achieving sustainable, future-proof cultivation while maintaining economic viability for growers.
Wageningen University & Research develops and tests ICM strategies from lab to field. We design resilient cropping systems focused on prevention: healthy plants, robust soils or substrates, and the presence of natural enemies. Using sensors, spore traps and molecular diagnostics, we detect pests and diseases at an early stage. Decision-support models and software help growers determine the optimal moment for intervention. We also develop and refine biological control agents and biopesticides, and optimise spray techniques and resistance management. In practical field trials and demonstrations, we assess the effectiveness, cost-efficiency and feasibility of integrated strategies. Together with growers, advisors and supply chain partners, we deliver directly applicable solutions — contributing to resilient crops, reduced environmental impact and a future-proof agricultural sector.
Resilient cropping systems can resist pests, diseases and weeds largely through their own design. This requires attention to plant and soil vitality and the resilience of the overall system. ICM provides an integrated framework based on four key principles:
- Choosing the right variety and cultivation practices (nutrition, water, climate) ensures healthy, resilient plants.
- Good soil or substrate management, and optimal use of water and fertilisers, form the foundation for vigorous crops. Soil and substrate resilience can be improved by stimulating beneficial microorganisms.
- In a resilient cropping system, natural enemies of pests and diseases are ideally present as a preventive measure. Functional agrobiodiversity, crop diversity and banker plants all contribute to this.
- Supporting technologies are used for hygiene, prediction, monitoring and early, effective control of pests and diseases.
Examples include:
- Greenhouse growers aiming for residue-free and emission-free production
- Fruit growers that are searching to adopt integrated pest and disease management
- Arable farmers that want to combine mechanical, biological and digital techniques
- Seed companies and growers working with resistant and resilient varieties
- Policymakers and supply chain partners pursuing reduction targets and sustainable transitions
- Quarantine greenhouses and laboratories for safe pest and disease research
- Experimental and commercial farms for realistic field trials
- High-tech diagnostics: molecular techniques (PCR), spore traps and air sampling
- Sensors and data infrastructures for continuous monitoring
- Precision spraying facilities for drift reduction and site-specific application
- Intake & joint definition of objectives with the grower/partner
- Baseline measurement & risk analysis (pest pressure, resistance, pesticide use)
- Design of a customised ICM strategy per crop
- Pilot & on-farm demonstration
- Evaluation and adjustment in collaboration with partners
- Implementation & knowledge transfer
Related products, services and facilities (4)
Get in touch with our expert
For more information, contact our expert.
ir. EAM (Ellen) Beerling
Researcher Integrated Crop Management