Which of the following is NOT a key component of IPM?

The correct answer is genetic modification, as it is not considered a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses on a holistic approach to managing pests that minimizes risks to human health, the environment, and non-target organisms. Its key components include monitoring, which involves regularly observing for pests to assess their populations; threshold levels, which help determine when pest populations reach a point that requires action; and control methods, which encompass a variety of strategies to manage pests effectively and sustainably.

While genetic modification can play a role in pest management practices, it is not a fundamental aspect of IPM itself. Rather, IPM emphasizes a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods based on careful monitoring and threshold assessments, making it a broader and more ecological approach to pest control rather than solely relying on genetic changes in organisms.