Why is pest management considered complex for specialty crops?

Pest management is indeed complex for specialty crops primarily due to the varying susceptibilities of different crops to pests. Each type of crop can have unique characteristics, including specific growth habits, developmental stages, and physiological traits, which can influence their vulnerability to certain pests. This diversity means that pest management strategies cannot be universally applied across all crops; instead, they must be tailored to address the specific pest challenges related to each crop type.

For example, a pest that significantly affects one crop may not impact another crop in the same way. This necessitates a more nuanced understanding of pest biology and behavior, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the specific crops being grown. Consequently, pest management becomes a multifaceted endeavor that requires familiarity with various crop and pest dynamics, making it more challenging compared to field crops, which may have more standardized growth conditions and pest pressures.