Which of the following is NOT a method of cultural control?

Cultural control methods are tactical practices aimed at managing pests through modifications in agricultural practices rather than using chemical interventions. These methods promote healthy crop growth and enhance the natural balance of ecosystems.

Crop rotation involves changing the types of crops grown in a particular area over time, disrupting pest life cycles and preventing the build-up of pest populations. Trap crops are strategically planted crops that attract pests away from the main crops, effectively reducing the pest population on the primary plants. Harvest timing refers to planning the harvesting periods to minimize pest damage, as some pests thrive at specific times in the crop lifecycle.

In contrast, insecticides are chemical substances specifically designed to kill or control insects. While effective for pest management, insecticides do not qualify as a cultural control method since they apply direct chemical action rather than relying on agricultural practices and environmental modifications to maintain healthy crops and reduce pest populations. Thus, insecticides stand apart as a distinctly non-cultural method of pest control.