Re: "Say not to chemical warfare," The Chief, May 8.
Based in greater Ottawa, I am currently honorary Canadian observer on the Pesticide Working Group based in Washington, D.C. While saying "No" to chemical warfare and providing information on pesticide-free, effective gardening is highly commendable, I take issue with the author's muddying the waters by distinguishing pesticides from chemicals. After all we are taking here about pesticides that happen to be chemicals.
I also have a problem with the author's recommendation of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) as this method, which is commendable in theory, turns out to be counter-productive in practice, especially when embraced by commercial pesticide applicators.
K. Jean Cottam, PhD
Nepean, ON