Illinois Field Crop Applicators Practice Test

Which of the following is not a type of control measure used in an integrated pest management program?

1. Cultural

2. Mechanical

3. Psychological

4. Chemical

The correct answer is: Psychological

In the context of integrated pest management (IPM), the primary control measures include cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Each of these has a specific role in managing pest populations effectively and sustainably. Cultural control refers to practices that alter the environment to minimize pest establishment, reproduction, and survival. Examples include crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant varieties, and managing planting schedules to reduce pest pressure. Mechanical control involves physical methods to manage pests, such as traps, barriers, or other tools that eliminate pests without the use of chemicals. Chemical control encompasses the use of pesticides to manage pests. These can be applied as required, focusing on the accurate timing and method to minimize potential harm to beneficial organisms and the environment. Psychological, however, is not recognized as a formal type of control measure within IPM. While psychological strategies may influence pest behavior or human decision-making, they are not traditional methods employed in pest management to directly control pest populations. Thus, this makes it distinct from the established categories used within IPM practices.