Resistant plants are used to control pests as part of IPM.

Resistant plants are used to control pests as part of IPM.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes but not in IPM
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

In IPM, using plants that resist pests is a standard tactic because the plant itself helps keep pest pressure lower. Host plant resistance means certain varieties are less attractive to pests, less suitable for their feeding, or slower for them to reproduce on. By choosing resistant varieties, you reduce damage without relying first on chemical controls, which fits the goal of using multiple, complementary approaches to manage pests. This approach works alongside other IPM components like regular monitoring, cultural practices (such as crop rotation and sanitation), and biological controls (natural enemies). It can also reduce the need for pesticides or extend the effectiveness of other tactics when pesticides are used. Examples include crops engineered or bred for insect resistance (like some corn varieties) or disease- and pest-resistant cultivars, and nematode-resistant rootstocks. Because resistant plants decrease pest pressure and damage, they are indeed part of IPM, not something used only sometimes or never.

In IPM, using plants that resist pests is a standard tactic because the plant itself helps keep pest pressure lower. Host plant resistance means certain varieties are less attractive to pests, less suitable for their feeding, or slower for them to reproduce on. By choosing resistant varieties, you reduce damage without relying first on chemical controls, which fits the goal of using multiple, complementary approaches to manage pests.

This approach works alongside other IPM components like regular monitoring, cultural practices (such as crop rotation and sanitation), and biological controls (natural enemies). It can also reduce the need for pesticides or extend the effectiveness of other tactics when pesticides are used. Examples include crops engineered or bred for insect resistance (like some corn varieties) or disease- and pest-resistant cultivars, and nematode-resistant rootstocks. Because resistant plants decrease pest pressure and damage, they are indeed part of IPM, not something used only sometimes or never.