Which of the following is NOT a pest management strategy described by IPM?

• A. Random pesticide selection
• B. Cultural
• C. Mechanical
• D. Biological

Answer: (A)

Integrated Pest Management relies on a mix of strategies chosen based on careful pest monitoring and economic thresholds, aiming to manage pests with minimal risks to people, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Cultural controls like crop rotation and sanitation, mechanical controls such as barriers and traps, and biological controls using natural enemies are all core parts of IPM because they reduce pest pressure without overreliance on chemicals. Pesticides are used only when monitoring shows action is needed and are selected to be effective while minimizing non-target harm and resistance. Random pesticide selection, by contrast, ignores monitoring and strategic planning, making it inconsistent with IPM principles and often leading to poorer control and greater risks.