Pest Control Methods - AP Environmental Science
- Identify a mechanical control method for pests.
- Using traps or barriers. Physical barriers and devices directly remove or exclude pests.
- Define 'economic threshold' in pest control.
- The pest density at which control measures should be applied. Cost-benefit analysis determines when control action becomes profitable.
- Which control method involves the use of sterile male pests?
- Biological control. Sterile insect technique reduces reproductive success of pest populations.
- What is the definition of integrated pest management (IPM)?
- IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy focusing on long-term pest prevention. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods for sustainable pest management.
- Which strategy involves using crop residues to control pests?
- Cultural control. Plant debris management affects pest overwintering and reproduction.
- What is 'biopesticide'?
- A type of pesticide derived from natural materials. Naturally-derived compounds often safer than synthetic chemicals.
- What does pest tolerance in crops refer to?
- The ability of a crop to withstand pest damage. Plants continue functioning despite pest presence and damage.
- What is the impact of monoculture on pest populations?
- Increases pest populations. Single crop systems provide abundant resources for specialist pests.
- What is the significance of 'action threshold' in IPM?
- The point at which pest control measures are initiated. Triggers intervention when pest populations reach damaging levels.
- What is the environmental benefit of biological pest control?
- Reduces chemical residues in the environment. Avoids toxic chemical accumulation in soil and water.
- Which type of pest control focuses on minimizing habitat suitability?
- Cultural control. Environmental modifications make conditions unfavorable for pest establishment.
- Which pest control method uses heat treatments?
- Physical control. Temperature manipulation kills pests without chemical residues.
- Name a disadvantage of biological pest control.
- It may take longer to reduce pest populations. Natural control agents require time to establish effective populations.
- Identify one biological control method for pest management.
- Use of natural predators or parasites. Leverages natural ecosystem relationships to control pests sustainably.
- What is a pheromone trap used for in pest control?
- To attract and capture pests using chemical signals. Species-specific chemicals lure pests for monitoring or control.
- What is the primary goal of ecological pest control?
- To enhance ecosystem balance to manage pests. Works with natural processes rather than against them.
- What is the purpose of regulatory pest control?
- To prevent the introduction and spread of pests. Legal restrictions and inspections control pest movement and establishment.
- Which approach involves habitat manipulation for pest control?
- Ecological control. Environmental modifications enhance natural pest control processes.
- Which control method relies on genetic resistance?
- Cultural control. Plant breeding develops varieties with inherent pest resistance.
- Identify a pest control strategy that involves habitat diversification.
- Ecological control. Multiple habitats support various natural enemies of pests.
- Identify a practice that supports integrated pest management.
- Regular monitoring of pest populations. Data collection informs timing and necessity of interventions.
- What is a key feature of IPM?
- Combines multiple pest control methods. Integration reduces reliance on any single control method.
- What is the primary aim of chemical pest control?
- To reduce pest populations using pesticides. Direct application of chemical compounds to kill or repel pests.
- Which method involves using plant-derived oils for pest control?
- Botanical control. Plant compounds provide natural pest deterrent properties.
- Name a non-lethal method to manage pest populations.
- Releasing sterile insects. Reproductive disruption reduces next generation without killing.
- What is a systemic pesticide?
- A pesticide absorbed by plants to kill pests. Chemical moves through plant tissues to reach feeding pests.
- Which control method uses reflective mulches?
- Physical control. Light reflection disrupts pest navigation and host finding.
- Which pest control method uses crop rotation?
- Cultural control. Disrupts pest life cycles by changing host plant availability.
- Which practice involves altering planting times to avoid pests?
- Cultural control. Timing adjustments disrupt pest reproductive cycles and development.
- Which method involves adjusting irrigation to manage pests?
- Cultural control. Water management affects pest habitat conditions and survival.
- Identify one example of a chemical control method.
- Application of insecticides. Direct chemical application for immediate pest mortality.
- Identify a practice that increases biological control effectiveness.
- Conserving natural enemy habitats. Maintaining beneficial insect populations enhances natural pest suppression.
- What is the role of quarantine in pest management?
- To prevent the importation of foreign pests. Inspection and isolation prevent establishment of invasive species.
- What is meant by 'pest resurgence'?
- Increase in pest population after pesticide use. Natural enemies eliminated allow rapid pest population recovery.
- Identify a key benefit of IPM.
- Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. Minimizes environmental impact while maintaining crop protection.
- State one risk of overusing chemical pesticides.
- Development of pesticide-resistant pest strains. Evolutionary pressure selects for resistance in pest populations.
- What is one advantage of mechanical pest control?
- Immediate reduction of pest numbers. Physical removal provides instant results without chemical residues.
- What is the main disadvantage of chemical pest control?
- Potential development of pest resistance. Repeated exposure leads to evolution of resistant pest populations.
- Identify a challenge in biological control.
- Establishing a balance without harming non-target species. Requires careful species selection to avoid ecological disruption.
- Which IPM step involves monitoring pest populations?
- Pest identification and monitoring. Essential first step to determine when intervention is needed.