Which would be considered a preventative pest management strategy?

Choosing to plant weed- and disease-free seed on an athletic field exemplifies a preventative pest management strategy because it focuses on eliminating potential problems before they arise. By starting with healthy, uncontaminated seeds, the likelihood of pests and diseases taking hold in the first place is significantly reduced. This proactive approach is essential in integrated pest management (IPM), as it prepares the environment and plants to be more resilient against pest infestations and crop diseases.

In contrast, releasing natural enemies to control pest populations involves a more reactive method, as it addresses existing pest issues. Removing a public health pest focuses on immediate intervention rather than prevention. Similarly, using chemical pesticides after pest detection is also a reactive measure, responding to a pest problem rather than preventing it from developing. Choosing the right preventative strategy is critical for effective pest management, particularly to minimize both economic losses and environmental impact.