Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Which of the following practices is part of a cultural control strategy?

1. Regularly rotating crops

2. Spraying pesticides weekly

3. Using barriers to block pests

4. Setting mechanical traps

The correct answer is: Regularly rotating crops

Cultural control strategies focus on modifying agricultural practices to prevent pest infestations and promote crop health. Regularly rotating crops is a fundamental practice in this strategy. By rotating crops, you disrupt the life cycles of pests and reduce their populations because different crops often require different pest species. This diversification in planting can naturally lower the pest pressure that builds up when the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same location, which is known as monocropping. This method also improves soil health and can enhance the resilience of the crops, making them less attractive to pests and diseases. Other practices like spraying pesticides, using barriers, and setting traps are considered chemical and physical controls rather than cultural controls. While these methods may be effective, they do not involve the broader agricultural management practices that are characteristic of cultural control.