What must be done prior to selecting a pesticide for application?

Prior to selecting a pesticide for application, it is crucial to assess pest pressure levels and thresholds. This step is fundamental in integrated pest management (IPM) because it involves evaluating the extent of the pest problem and determining whether it has reached a level that justifies intervention. Understanding these levels helps in making informed decisions about the necessity and type of pesticide to be used, ensuring that control measures are both effective and environmentally responsible.

This assessment is also aligned with the principles of IPM, which emphasize the use of multiple management strategies based on monitored pest populations rather than relying solely on chemical control. By doing this initial evaluation, one can avoid unnecessary pesticide applications, which can lead to resistance issues, environmental harm, and increased pest problems.

Considering the cost of the pesticide or its popularity may be relevant in specific contexts, but these factors should not drive the decision-making process without first understanding the pest dynamics. Mixing pesticides with fertilizers is not a standard or universally applicable step in selecting pesticide treatments and could potentially lead to ineffective results or environmental consequences.