Answer :
Final answer:
IPM promotes sustainable pest management practices that are effective, environmentally friendly, and economically viable in the long term.
Explanation:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) differs from solely using chemical pesticides in the following ways:
1. IPM focuses on a holistic approach to pest management that considers the ecosystem as a whole, incorporating various methods to control pests rather than relying solely on chemical pesticides.
2. IPM aims to minimize the impact on the environment, non-target organisms, and human health by using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical control methods.
3. By diversifying control strategies, IPM reduces the likelihood of pests developing resistance to pesticides, which can occur when only chemical treatments are used.
Examples of IPM methods include:
- Biological control: Introducing natural enemies of pests, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to reduce pest populations.
- Cultural control: Modifying the environment or practices to make it less favorable for pests, such as crop rotation, planting pest-resistant varieties, or adjusting irrigation practices.
- Physical control: Using physical barriers, traps, or mechanical methods to exclude or remove pests from an area.
- Chemical control as a last resort: If needed, using targeted pesticide applications based on monitoring and thresholds to minimize environmental impact while effectively managing pest populations.
