*5.2. Integrated Crop Management*

Integrated crop managemen<sup>t</sup> (ICM) is an environmentally sensitive and economically viable production system by using the latest available techniques to produce high quality food in an efficient manner [52]. Reductions in pest control costs and in the use of pesticide in ICM programs can be achieved by introducing populations of natural enemies, variety selection, applying alternative pesticides, etc. For farmers, the main benefit of ICM is still a reduction in pesticide use, although most programs still rely heavily on pesticides [39]. The main task of ICM is not to decrease pesticide costs but it contributes to the production of healthy food. The present production level is a consequence of contemporary pesticide use, but the losses that could not be prevented show that a significant development is necessary.

Bajwa and Kogan [53] listed 67 definitions for integrated pest managemen<sup>t</sup> but did not mention resistance to pests. Ehler [54] focused on integrated pest managemen<sup>t</sup> but also mentioned integrated

pesticide managemen<sup>t</sup> because it is not the pests themselves, but rather the use of pesticides, that should be better managed in order to reduce the occurrence of pests.

Kumar and Shivay [55] took a step forward by combining pest managemen<sup>t</sup> with seedling establishment and nutrient management. Vanlauwe et al. [56] highlighted integrated soil fertility management, focusing on the e fficiency of fertilizer use. Bottrell [57] reported on integrated pest management, while Barzman et al. [58] summarized the most important principles with the objective of optimizing the use of pesticides but did not mention resistance as a possible influencing agent, only considering pesticide reduction.

Lehoczki-Krsjak et al. [59], Mesterhazy and Bartok [60], Mesterházy [61], Mesterházy [62], Mesterházy et al. [63], Mesterházy et al. [64], and Mesterházy et al. [65] were among the first to indicate the decisive role of the resistance level increasing the e ffect of fungicides against Fusarium head blight in wheat. Actually, the resistance level regulates the fungicide e ffect. Lamichhane et al. [66] stressed the role of resistance in sustainable and low-input agricultural systems and the role of breeding cultivars with the resistance traits required for organic production. Nevertheless, in a wider context we need to integrate plant breeding, water management, and storage conditions with an emphasis on the fungi that normally cause less grain loss. It is possible to keep the whole production process under control by the introduction of Intelligent Field Crop Management (ICM).
