Which of the following is a benefit of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach that incorporates a variety of practices to manage pests effectively. The correct answer highlights one of the primary benefits of IPM: it reduces pesticide hazards to people, wildlife, and the environment.

This approach aims to minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides by using a combination of biological control, habitat manipulation, and resistant varieties, along with monitoring and the targeted application of pesticides only when necessary. By focusing on a holistic strategy, IPM helps decrease the potential negative impacts of chemical pesticides, promoting safer agricultural practices and protecting ecosystems.

This is essential since excessive use of pesticides can lead to contamination of water, air, and soil, as well as harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and wildlife. The reduced risk and lower environmental impact associated with IPM practices foster sustainable agriculture, ensuring that pest control methods contribute to long-term agricultural viability while safeguarding health and biodiversity.

In contrast, the other responses suggest approaches that do not align with the principles of IPM or misrepresent its goals. For instance, increasing pesticide use contradicts IPM’s philosophy of minimizing chemical input. Similarly, suggesting that IPM eliminates the need for any pest control measures disregards the necessity of monitoring and managing pest populations, as