Which management strategy can reduce pesticide use in cotton cultivation?

The most effective management strategy to reduce pesticide use in cotton cultivation is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM combines various eco-friendly practices and pest management techniques that work together to minimize reliance on chemical pesticides. This approach includes monitoring pest populations, using thresholds to determine when control measures are needed, and employing a mix of biological control, cultural practices, and resistant crop varieties.

By focusing on environmental health and sustainability, IPM not only enhances pest control but also encourages the use of natural predators and other non-chemical methods to manage pest populations effectively. This integrated approach leads to a more precise and targeted use of pesticides, thus directly contributing to a reduction in their overall application.

Other strategies like organic farming, while focused on avoiding synthetic pesticides, often rely on different pest management practices that may or may not sustain lower pest levels. Conventional farming, on the other hand, typically involves the unrestricted use of chemical pesticides, which does not contribute to reducing their application. Crop rotation is a beneficial practice for different reasons, such as soil health and reducing pest build-up, but it does not specifically focus on minimizing pesticide use as effectively as IPM does.