Which statement best describes resistance management within an IPM program?

• A. Always rely solely on chemicals
• B. Integrate non-chemical controls and use threshold-based IPM
• C. Avoid any monitoring
• D. Use pesticide only in the absence of pests

Answer: (B)

Resistance management in IPM relies on using multiple tactics and applying controls only when pests reach a level that justifies it. The best approach is to integrate non-chemical controls with threshold-based decisions. By combining cultural practices, biological controls, resistant varieties, traps, and sanitation with targeted pesticide use, you reduce the pressure that a single method places on pests. Monitoring pest populations and applying treatments only when they exceed an economic threshold keeps chemical use purposeful and helps slow the development of resistance. In contrast, relying solely on chemicals or spraying without monitoring leads to quicker resistance buildup and unnecessary applications.