Answer :
Methods of pest management that are considered to have minimal disruption to the environment are often part of an approach known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses on combining different pest control methods to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and minimize environmental impacts. Here are some environmentally friendly methods of pest management:
Biological Control: This involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations. For example, introducing ladybugs to control aphid infestations or using certain bacteria to target specific insect pests. Biological control leverages natural relationships and minimizes environmental disruption.
Cultural Control: This includes practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. An example is crop rotation, which prevents pests from finding their preferred host plants repeatedly in the same area. Cultural control strategies focus on modifying farming practices to reduce pest growth.
Mechanical and Physical Controls: These involve using tools or physical barriers to manage pests, such as traps, fences, or nets. For instance, using sticky traps for insect pests or row covers to protect crops are physical methods that minimize chemical use.
Genetic Control: This method includes developing pest-resistant plant varieties through selective breeding or genetic engineering. These plant varieties can naturally repel or withstand pest attacks, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Chemical Control with Selective and Biopesticides: When chemical intervention is necessary, using selective pesticides targeted at specific pests and biopesticides derived from natural materials (such as plants, bacteria, and certain minerals) can greatly reduce environmental impact. Biopesticides usually target specific pests without affecting beneficial organisms.
By combining these methods, IPM aims to prevent pests from reaching economically damaging levels while preserving ecological balance and limiting harm to the environment.
