Which method is often included in integrated pest management practices?

Host plant resistance is a crucial component of integrated pest management (IPM) practices because it utilizes the natural defense mechanisms of plants to reduce pest populations. This method involves breeding or selecting plants that have traits that enable them to withstand pest attacks, thereby minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides. By integrating host plant resistance into pest management strategies, it promotes biological control and encourages sustainable agricultural practices.

In contrast, exclusively relying on chemical treatments does not align with the principles of IPM, as it overlooks other effective pest management strategies and may lead to pesticide resistance. One-time treatments lack the continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies that are fundamental to IPM. Similarly, random pest population assessments do not provide the systematic and strategic approach necessary for effective and long-term pest management planning. Therefore, host plant resistance stands out as a vital method within the framework of integrated pest management.