Illinois Field Crop Applicators Practice Test

The following methods are examples of what type of control method? - Tillage to destroy overwintering grasshopper eggs.

1. Cultural

2. Mechanical

3. Biological

4. Chemical

The correct answer is: Mechanical

The method of tillage to destroy overwintering grasshopper eggs is an example of a mechanical control method. Mechanical control methods involve physical actions taken to manage pests or their habitat. In this case, tillage disrupts the soil and physically eliminates the eggs of grasshoppers, thus reducing their population for the next growing season. Using tillage in this manner demonstrates a proactive approach to pest management by targeting the life stage of the pest directly in the environment where they reside. This method has the advantage of not introducing chemicals into the ecosystem and can be an effective way to reduce pest numbers. The focus is on the physical disturbance of the environment to prevent pest emergence rather than relying on chemicals, biological agents, or cultural practices like crop rotation or planting date adjustments.