Answer :
Final answer:
The farmer should utilize biological, cultural, and mechanical controls to manage the 17% pest damage. These methods include introducing natural predators, crop rotation, and physical barriers. Chemical pesticides should be a last resort due to their potential negative effects on beneficial species and the environment.
Explanation:
Effective Pest Management for Farmers
A farmer experiencing 17% damage from pests without utilizing any pest management methods should consider applying a range of methods to protect their crops. Selecting option B. utilize biological, cultural, and mechanical controls is recommended.
Using biological controls involves introducing natural predators or parasites that can help reduce pest populations. For example, releasing ladybugs can help manage aphids in a crop field. Cultural controls may include rotating crops or altering planting times to disrupt the pest life cycle, while mechanical controls can involve physical barriers or traps to keep pests away.
While option D. sparingly use chemical pesticides could be a last resort to manage a pest outbreak, it's wise to consider non-chemical methods first, as chemicals can also harm beneficial insects and have environmental impacts. Options A. do nothing and C. burn the entire crop field down are not appropriate, as they can worsen the situation and harm the ecosystem.
Learn more about Pest Management here:
https://brainly.com/question/39329400
