Illinois Field Crop Applicators Practice Test

What is an integrated pest management program primarily based upon?

1. Soil health and structure

2. Weather patterns and climate

3. Economic threshold

4. Pest resistance management

The correct answer is: Economic threshold

An integrated pest management (IPM) program is primarily based on the concept of economic threshold. This principle involves determining the point at which the economic damage caused by a pest necessitates action to control it. The economic threshold helps farmers and applicators decide whether the cost of controlling a pest is justified by the expected profits that would be lost if the pest population were left uncontrolled. This approach allows for a more strategic and economically sound decision-making process regarding pest control measures, promoting the use of various tactics, including biological, cultural, and chemical methods, while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. The correct emphasis on economic thresholds in IPM distinguishes it from options that focus solely on soil health, weather patterns, or pest resistance. Although these factors play essential roles in pest management strategies, they don't define the core of what IPM aims to achieve. By incorporating economic thresholds, IPM establishes a balance between pest control and economic viability, ensuring that interventions are made only when necessary, thereby promoting sustainability in agricultural practices.