Which is NOT a component of Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach used to manage pests effectively while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. The approach employs several components to achieve sustainable pest management.

One key component of IPM is pest identification, which ensures that the right pest is targeted with appropriate control measures. Monitoring is also essential, as it involves keeping track of pest populations and their behavior to make informed decisions about the need for intervention. Biological control refers to the use of natural predators or parasites to control pest populations, which is another important aspect of IPM.

Random pesticide application does not fit within the framework of IPM. This practice lacks strategic assessment and can lead to ineffective pest control, the development of resistant pest populations, and adverse effects on non-target organisms and the environment. IPM emphasizes the use of multiple tactics in a systematic way, rather than relying on indiscriminate pesticide use, which is why this option is not considered a component of Integrated Pest Management.