Which of the following practices is NOT a part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Applying pesticides at the first sign of a pest is not a part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) because IPM focuses on a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing pests. This approach emphasizes an understanding of pest life cycles, monitoring pest populations, and implementing various control strategies before resorting to chemical treatments.

In IPM, decision-making is based on established thresholds and pest monitoring, which helps to determine if and when intervention is necessary. By waiting for a significant pest presence or damage before applying pesticides, practitioners can reduce unnecessary pesticide applications, protecting beneficial organisms and minimizing environmental impact.

Other methods like using resistant plant varieties and implementing habitat modifications are integral parts of IPM, as they aim to enhance natural pest control mechanisms and create less favorable conditions for pests to thrive.