Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

Which of the following practices is an example of cultural control?

1. Using chemical herbicides

2. Implementing integrated pest management

3. Crop rotation and appropriate fertilization

4. Setting traps for pests

The correct answer is: Crop rotation and appropriate fertilization

Cultural control practices focus on modifying the environment or the way plants are cultivated to make conditions less favorable for pests. Crop rotation, for instance, disrupts the life cycles of pests and diseases that may be associated with a specific crop by alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area over different seasons. Implementing appropriate fertilization further supports plant health and resilience, making them less susceptible to pest infestations. In contrast, using chemical herbicides is a direct intervention that targets specific pests or weeds, which falls under chemical control rather than cultural practices. Implementing integrated pest management combines multiple strategies, including biological, cultural, and chemical practices, highlighting the broader approach rather than solely focusing on cultural techniques. Setting traps for pests is a method of direct intervention that aims to reduce pest populations but does not address the underlying environmental conditions or agricultural practices that can minimize pest issues. Thus, crop rotation and appropriate fertilization are prime examples of cultural control methods.