Which pest management strategy aligns with sustainable practices?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is widely recognized as a sustainable pest management strategy because it combines various ecological and biological approaches to pest control. By using IPM, practitioners assess pest populations accurately and consider multiple factors, such as the life cycles of pests, environmental conditions, and the presence of natural predators. This holistic approach minimizes reliance on chemical pesticides and fosters a healthier ecosystem.

IPM emphasizes preventive measures, such as crop rotation, biological control, and habitat modification, to reduce pest populations while promoting biodiversity. It also incorporates monitoring and decision-making based on action thresholds, so that interventions are only made when necessary, thereby reducing potential harm to non-target organisms and the environment.

The other choices reflect practices that may lead to unsustainable outcomes. For instance, over-application of chemical pesticides can lead to resistance, environmental contamination, and harm to non-target species. Monoculture planting techniques can also create vulnerability to pest outbreaks, as they provide an ideal habitat for pests and disease to thrive. Ignoring pest monitoring leads to uninformed decisions that can escalate pest issues and result in unnecessary treatments. In contrast, IPM stands out by promoting sustainable practices that protect both agricultural productivity and ecological health.