Which of the following describes the steps in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that emphasizes the integration of various management practices and strategies to minimize the impact of pests in an environmentally sustainable way. The correct choice outlines the comprehensive steps involved in the IPM process.

The steps of prevention and avoidance emphasize the need to reduce pest occurrence before they become a problem. Monitoring plays a crucial role in recognizing pest presence and evaluating their population levels. Decision-making involves analyzing monitoring data along with environmental factors and determining whether action is necessary. This leads to intervention, which includes practical measures to control pests, and finally, evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the chosen strategies and informs future management practices.

Understanding these steps is critical because they reflect the systematic and preventive nature of IPM, rather than reactive measures. The balance of monitoring and thoughtful intervention fosters a sustainable approach, reducing reliance on chemical controls and minimizing harm to beneficial organisms and the environment.

The other options represent various approaches or concepts that lack the specific integration of prevention, monitoring, decision making, intervention, and evaluation that is foundational to effective IPM.