What are the core steps of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

• A. Identify, monitor, set action thresholds, implement management, evaluate results.
• B. Identify and spray immediately.
• C. Monitor only and ignore thresholds.
• D. Apply pesticide and wait.

Answer: (A)

IPM is a systematic, data-driven approach to managing pests that uses a plan with multiple steps rather than quick, single actions. It begins by identifying exactly what pest is causing the problem and where, then relies on regular monitoring to track pest levels and crop health over time. Action thresholds are established to decide when intervention is truly needed—these thresholds help avoid unnecessary control measures and reduce impacts on non-target organisms and the environment.

When intervention is warranted, the goal is to use the least risky, most effective method first, prioritizing cultural, mechanical, and biological controls, and applying pesticides only as a last resort and in a targeted way. After treatment, the results are evaluated to determine whether pest levels and crop health improved and to adjust the plan if needed. This loop—identify, monitor, set thresholds, implement, evaluate—keeps pest problems under control while protecting people, non-target organisms, and the environment.