The Cost of Keeping Up Appearances.

This issue focuses on the costs of keeping up appearances by landscaping the environment. Although insects can be a threat to plant health, much of the injury they cause will only threaten plant appearance. The study comes from a survey of two groups, landscape specialists and homeowners, who were asked to identify which plants in a photograph series they would consider damaged and which they would want their landscape management company to treat. Six photographs of a widely-used shrub, commonly known as a burning bush, were prepared with varying discoloration and damage ranging from uninjured to half stippled white. The survey revealed that landscape specialists have the same general tolerance for plant injuries as their clientele. The possible value and application of this research to commercial business is explored, along with a description of a model of the integrated pest management (IPM) plan. The decision making model for use of the IPM is explained. A student quiz concludes the booklet. (EH)