Which of the following methods is NOT commonly used in IPM?

In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a holistic approach combining various strategies to manage pest populations sustainably is emphasized. The goal is to minimize the impact of pests while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Cultural methods, biological methods, and mechanical methods are all integral components of IPM. Cultural methods involve practices that modify the environment to make it less conducive to pest problems, such as crop rotation or choosing pest-resistant plant varieties. Biological methods utilize natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations, promoting ecological balance. Mechanical methods include physical strategies such as traps or barriers to directly remove or deter pests.

On the other hand, purely chemical methods focus exclusively on the use of synthetic pesticides to eliminate pests without integrating other management practices. This approach can lead to negative consequences, such as pesticide resistance, environmental harm, and harm to non-target organisms. Therefore, this method does not align with the core principles of IPM, which seeks to employ a more balanced and environmentally friendly approach to pest management.