What does the economic threshold (ET) in pest management indicate?

The economic threshold (ET) is a critical concept in integrated pest management as it defines the pest population level at which action should be initiated to prevent the population from reaching the economic injury level (EIL). The EIL is the point at which the cost of pest damage exceeds the cost of controlling the pest. Therefore, the ET serves as a proactive measure; once pest populations reach this threshold, it signals to the pest manager that intervention is necessary to mitigate potential crop loss and economic impact.

The distinction that the ET is not a point where no action is required is crucial. This differentiates it from scenarios where pest levels are manageable without intervention. Additionally, it does not refer to a maximum allowable level of pests because thresholds are not absolute limits but rather indicators for management action. Lastly, while monitoring is a vital part of pest management, the ET itself is not defined as a minimum level that requires monitoring, but rather a trigger for action based on current pest levels. This proactive approach is fundamental for effective and economically viable pest management strategies.