Question

Which of the following is the basis of Integrated pest management?
(A). Reliance on pesticides to control insect-pest
(B). All pest population levels are injurious to crops
(C). Some pest population is required for the survival of natural enemies of pests
(D). Planting crops in such a way as to minimize or prevent pest problems
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (B) only
• (B) and (D) only
• (B) and (C) only
• (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Remember that IPM does NOT aim to "eradicate" pests, but to "manage" them below economically damaging levels using ecologically sound methods.
This helps identify (C) and (D) as the correct choices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable, ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement concerning IPM philosophy:
- (A). Reliance on pesticides to control insect-pest: This is incorrect.
IPM emphasizes minimizing the use of chemical pesticides, using them only as a last resort when other non-chemical controls fail and economic thresholds are reached.
- (B). All pest population levels are injurious to crops: This is incorrect.
Crops can tolerate low levels of pest damage without experiencing economic loss.
Pest control measures are only initiated when the pest population reaches the Economic Threshold Level (ETL), which is below the Economic Injury Level (EIL).
- (C). Some pest population is required for the survival of natural enemies of pests: This is correct.
Eradicating \( 100\% \) of a pest population is counterproductive because it starves and eliminates beneficial predators and parasitoids (natural enemies).
Maintaining a low, non-damaging pest population preserves these natural biological control agents.
- (D). Planting crops in such a way as to minimize or prevent pest problems: This is correct.
Cultural practices—such as crop rotation, companion planting, trap cropping, and choosing optimal sowing dates—are foundational to preventing pest outbreaks under IPM.
Therefore, statements (C) and (D) are the core principles of IPM.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination is (C) and (D) only.