Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a type of control used in IPM?

1. Biological controls

2. Cultural controls

3. Synthetic control

4. Physical barriers

The correct answer is: Synthetic control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that incorporates various control methods to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable agriculture. Within the framework of IPM, several types of control strategies are utilized, including biological, cultural, and physical methods. Biological controls involve the use of natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations. For instance, introducing ladybugs to control aphid populations exemplifies this strategy. Cultural controls focus on altering farming practices to reduce pest establishment and reproduction. This can include crop rotation, adjusting planting times, or selecting pest-resistant crop varieties. Physical barriers, such as nets or row covers, are used to physically prevent pests from reaching the plants, thus reducing the likelihood of damage. Synthetic control methods, often referred to as chemical controls, typically involve the use of pesticides that are developed through synthetic processes. While chemical controls may play a role in pest management, they are not classified as a separate method within the core types of control under IPM. Instead, synthetic chemicals should be used judiciously and as a last resort after other control measures have been exhausted. Therefore, synthetic control does not fit into the primary categories of control used in IPM, making it the correct answer in this context.