Illinois Field Crop Applicators Practice Test

Which method is NOT typically a component of integrated pest management?

1. Insecticides only

2. Cultural practices

3. Biological control

4. Mechanical controls

The correct answer is: Insecticides only

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that employs a combination of techniques to minimize the reliance on chemical methods alone. The goal of IPM is to manage pest populations in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. Insecticides only is not typically a component of IPM because reliance solely on chemicals can lead to a range of problems, including pest resistance, environmental damage, and disruption of non-target organisms. Instead, IPM emphasizes a more diversified strategy that often includes cultural practices, biological control, and mechanical controls. Cultural practices involve altering farming practices to create an environment less conducive to pest infestations, such as crop rotation or choosing pest-resistant plant varieties. Biological control includes utilizing natural predators or parasitoids to suppress pest populations, while mechanical controls can involve physical methods like traps or barriers to reduce pest numbers. Together, these methods provide a more balanced and sustainable approach to pest management than using insecticides alone.