What type of crops should be used in an IPM strategy when pests are present?

Using resistant crops in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is a fundamental practice to enhance crop protection against pests. Resistant crops have genetic traits that allow them to withstand pest pressure without significant damage, reducing the need for chemical interventions. This naturally supports the IPM objective of managing pest populations while minimizing environmental impact.

Incorporating resistant crops into an IPM strategy helps in several ways. Firstly, it can significantly lower pest incidence and severity, which leads to better crop yields. Furthermore, resistant varieties can help to preserve the beneficial organisms in the ecosystem, as less reliance on pesticides means that non-target species are less likely to be harmed.

Conversely, using non-resilient or highly vulnerable crops would increase the susceptibility of the plants to pest damage, which can lead to higher pest populations and increased pesticide use. Additionally, crops that require heavy pesticide applications are contrary to the goals of IPM, which aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote sustainable agriculture practices.