What is integrated pest management?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to controlling pest populations while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. It encompasses a variety of tactics, including biological, cultural, and physical practices, which work together to manage pests effectively.

This method emphasizes the understanding of pest life cycles, their natural enemies, and the interactions within the ecosystem. By integrating multiple strategies, such as using resistant plant varieties, crop rotation, habitat manipulation, and the introduction of natural predators, IPM reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. This holistic approach leads to sustainable pest management and can result in improved agricultural productivity while preserving the environment.

In contrast, relying solely on chemical pesticides ignores the benefits of ecological interactions and can lead to resistance in pest populations and harm to non-target organisms. Increasing the use of harmful herbicides or focusing on monoculture can lead to adverse environmental impacts, loss of biodiversity, and greater long-term challenges in pest management. Thus, option B correctly represents the essence of IPM as a multifaceted and sustainable approach to pest control.