Which of the following practices can help prevent pest infestations in nurseries?

Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies is crucial for preventing pest infestations in nurseries. IPM is a holistic approach that combines various management practices to minimize pest damage while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. It involves monitoring pest populations, understanding their life cycles, and using a mix of biological controls, cultural techniques, and habitat manipulation. This approach not only focuses on the immediate suppression of pests but also seeks to enhance natural pest control mechanisms and promote a balanced ecosystem.

For instance, crop rotation, the introduction of beneficial insects, and the use of pest-resistant plant varieties are all elements of IPM. This comprehensive strategy helps in keeping pest populations in check, ensuring healthier nursery plants and reducing the risk of large-scale infestations.

In contrast, practices like single crop planting can create monocultures that are more susceptible to pest outbreaks, and heavy fertilization may lead to plant stress, making them more vulnerable to pests. Randomly applying pesticides can result in ineffective pest control and contribute to pesticide resistance, which makes future management more challenging. Therefore, the use of integrated pest management is a sustainable and effective method for preventing pest issues in nurseries.