Which practice is an example of cultural control in pest management?

Choosing plants that do not attract pests is an excellent example of cultural control in pest management. Cultural control involves using practices and techniques to modify the environment to make it less conducive to pest establishment and reproduction. By selecting plant species that have natural resistance to certain pests or are inherently less attractive to them, gardeners and pest managers can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest problems.

This strategy not only minimizes the need for chemical interventions but also promotes a healthier ecosystem in which beneficial organisms can thrive. Incorporating this practice into pest management helps build a sustainable approach that relies on understanding the relationships between various organisms in the landscape.

Weed removal through hoeing, while helpful for pest management, is primarily a physical control method rather than cultural. Using pesticides is a chemical control technique, and applying mulch to suppress weeds falls under physical or mechanical control as well. Each of these practices has its place in integrated pest management, but they do not embody the cultural control philosophy as effectively as selecting pest-resistant plants.