Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Making use of plant varieties that are naturally resistant to insect feeding is an example of which pest management method?

1. Mechanical

2. Cultural

3. Genetic

4. Pesticidal

The correct answer is: Genetic

Utilizing plant varieties that are naturally resistant to insect feeding exemplifies the genetic method of pest management. This approach involves selecting and breeding plants that have inherent traits allowing them to withstand pest pressures, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Genetically resistant plants offer a sustainable way to manage pests because they can deter feeding or reproduction of pests through their natural characteristics. This method is particularly effective as it can lead to long-term control of pest populations. In contrast to mechanical methods, which involve direct physical actions to control pests, or cultural practices that modify environmental conditions to make them less favorable for pests, genetic pest management directly addresses the pest issue through inherent plant properties. Pesticidal methods, on the other hand, rely on the application of chemicals to eliminate pests, which may not be as sustainable or environmentally friendly as using genetically resistant plants.