In pest management, which of the following is a primary focus?

In pest management, a primary focus is on monitoring and reducing pest populations. This approach allows growers to assess the level of pest presence in their crops and determine the most effective strategies for controlling those pests. By monitoring, farmers can identify pest populations and track any increases, which helps in deciding when action is necessary to prevent damage to plants. The goal is to manage pests in a way that minimizes their impact while maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

This strategy is more sustainable than simply relying on increasing pesticide use, which can lead to resistance and environmental issues. Furthermore, while preventing any type of pest might seem ideal, it is often impractical since some pests can be beneficial or their complete eradication can disrupt the ecosystem. Similarly, growing only pest-resistant plants can be a part of integrated pest management but does not address the broader need to monitor and manage existing pest populations effectively.