Which method of pest management involves integrating multiple strategies to manage nematodes?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to managing agricultural pests, including nematodes, by combining multiple strategies. The core principle of IPM is to utilize a variety of pest management tactics that can include biological control, chemical methods, mechanical techniques, cultural practices, and more. This integration allows for the development of sustainable and environmentally responsible pest control strategies while minimizing reliance on any single method.

In the context of nematode management, IPM typically incorporates practices such as crop rotation, resistant crop varieties, beneficial nematodes or predators, and careful monitoring of pest populations. By applying diverse methods tailored to specific conditions and pest behaviors, IPM aims to keep nematode populations below economically damaging levels while also safeguarding beneficial organisms and preserving the ecosystem.

Other options, while relevant to pest management, do not emphasize the integration of multiple strategies to the same extent as IPM. For instance, biological control focuses primarily on using living organisms to manage pests, while chemical pest control relies on synthetic pesticides. Mechanical control involves physical methods to deter or eliminate pests, but it does not incorporate the holistic approach characteristic of IPM.