What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cotton farming involve?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cotton farming is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple strategies to manage pests effectively while minimizing the impact on the environment and human health. By integrating biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools, farmers can create a more sustainable system that addresses the complexities of pest management.

This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecosystem, including natural predators and environmental conditions, allowing for more targeted and eco-friendly interventions. By combining various strategies, IPM reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, helping to conserve beneficial insects and reduce the risk of pest resistance. The integration of these diverse tools ensures that pest control is more effective and adaptable to changing conditions in the field.

Focusing solely on economic pest thresholds or applying pesticides on a fixed schedule, as some other options suggest, limits the flexibility and adaptability of pest management. These methods can lead to either over-reliance on chemical methods or inadequate pest control strategies that do not consider the full scope of the ecosystem's complexities.