Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following are methods of control used in IPM?

1. Cultural, chemical, biological

2. Mechanical, genetic, preventive

3. Monitoring, assessing, treating

4. Control, evaluation, implementation

The correct answer is: Cultural, chemical, biological

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) employs a variety of methods to effectively control pests while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. The correct answer includes cultural, chemical, and biological methods, which are fundamental approaches in IPM. Cultural control methods involve practices that modify the environment to prevent pest infestations. This might include crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant varieties, or altering irrigation practices to make conditions less favorable for pest survival and reproduction. Chemical control refers to the use of pesticides or other chemicals to manage pest populations. In IPM, the use of chemicals is often done judiciously, taking into account the potential impacts on non-target organisms and the environment. Chemicals are typically used as a last resort after other methods have been explored. Biological control involves utilizing natural predators or parasites to suppress pest populations. This can include introducing beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests or using pathogens that specifically target pests. While the other options present a mix of methods and concepts related to pest management, they do not accurately reflect the established categories of control methods used within IPM as directly as the selected answer does.