What is the purpose of cultural control in pest management?

Cultural control in pest management focuses on modifying the environment to reduce the number of pests and minimize their impact on crops or plants. This method is achieved through practices such as crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, and managing planting times. By altering the conditions that favor pest survival and reproduction, cultural control effectively reduces the likelihood of pest infestations, thereby contributing to healthier plant growth and higher yields.

While trapping animals, using natural predators, and directly killing pests are all essential aspects of integrated pest management, they fall under different strategies, such as mechanical and biological control, rather than the overarching strategy of cultural control, which emphasizes environmental modification and prevention. This demonstrates the key role that cultural practices play in sustainable pest management approaches.