What does integrated pest management (IPM) focus on?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on combining multiple pest control strategies for effectiveness. This approach recognizes that no single method will adequately address pest issues in all situations. Instead, IPM employs a variety of techniques, integrating cultural practices, biological controls, mechanical options, and chemical methods when necessary, all tailored to the specific pest and crop system.

This multifaceted strategy aims to manage pest populations at acceptable levels while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. The goal is to use the most economical means for pest control rather than striving for complete eradication of pests, which is often neither feasible nor sustainable. By incorporating diverse methods, IPM enhances the resilience of agricultural systems and reduces reliance on any single pest management approach.

In contrast, the other approaches mentioned would not align with the principles of IPM. Complete elimination of all pests is unrealistic, as some pests can be beneficial and contribute to the ecosystem. Sole reliance on chemical pesticides can lead to adverse environmental effects and resistance issues. Lastly, depending entirely on natural predators may not provide adequate control for high pest populations or in situations where natural predators are not present in sufficient numbers.