Which of the following is a reason a grower would practice integrated pest management (IPM)?

• A. Keep a balanced ecosystem
• B. Improve crop yield
• C. Reduce irrigation needs
• D. Increase pesticide use

Answer: (A)

Integrated pest management aims to keep pests under control by maintaining harmony in the farming system. It relies on careful monitoring and using a mix of tactics—cultural, mechanical, biological, and limited, targeted chemical controls—to prevent pest problems while preserving beneficial organisms and natural enemies. When the ecosystem stays balanced, pest populations are kept in check more sustainably, reducing outbreaks and the need for broad pesticide use. That ecological balance is what IPM seeks to achieve.

Other options miss this core idea: while improved yield can be a result of effective pest management, IPM’s purpose isn’t simply to maximize yield; reducing irrigation isn’t a primary IPM goal, and increasing pesticide use runs counter to the idea of using multiple strategies and minimizing chemical reliance.