Which of the following practices is essential for effective pest management?

Monitoring pest populations is essential for effective pest management because it enables growers to make informed decisions based on the actual status of pest levels in their crops. By consistently observing and documenting pest presence and numbers, farmers can determine if control measures are necessary, assess the effectiveness of those measures, and identify any trends or emerging pest problems.

Regular monitoring facilitates the use of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine multiple approaches — biological, cultural, physical, and chemical — to manage pests in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, which can reduce crop damage and sometimes even decrease reliance on chemical pesticides.

While the application of chemical pesticides can control pests, relying on them without understanding pest populations may lead to ineffective or excessive use. Likewise, practices like monocropping without rotation can increase pest populations as specific pests become adapted to a single crop over time. Ignoring pest damage entirely can lead to significant crop losses and a decline in overall farm productivity. Thus, monitoring is a fundamental practice that supports all other pest management strategies.