In IPM programs, which two strategies form the foundation of disease control?

In IPM programs, which two strategies form the foundation of disease control?

• A. Resistant cultivars
• B. Cultural practices
• C. Fungicides
• D. Resistant cultivars and cultural practices

Answer: (D)

In IPM, the core of disease control is reducing both the plant’s susceptibility and the environment that favors disease. Resistant cultivars provide built-in defenses, making plants harder for pathogens to infect and establish, which lowers disease incidence and spread. Cultural practices then complement that by altering the growing conditions to be less conducive to disease—think crop rotation to break pathogen lifecycles, residue management to remove sources of inoculum, proper spacing and pruning to improve airflow and reduce leaf wetness, and timely irrigation and sanitation to limit disease-favorable conditions. Together, these two strategies form the foundation because they prevent problems before they require chemical intervention. Fungicides remain important tools, used when risk is high or when resistance and cultural practices aren’t enough alone, but they are supplemental rather than foundational.

In IPM, the core of disease control is reducing both the plant’s susceptibility and the environment that favors disease. Resistant cultivars provide built-in defenses, making plants harder for pathogens to infect and establish, which lowers disease incidence and spread. Cultural practices then complement that by altering the growing conditions to be less conducive to disease—think crop rotation to break pathogen lifecycles, residue management to remove sources of inoculum, proper spacing and pruning to improve airflow and reduce leaf wetness, and timely irrigation and sanitation to limit disease-favorable conditions. Together, these two strategies form the foundation because they prevent problems before they require chemical intervention. Fungicides remain important tools, used when risk is high or when resistance and cultural practices aren’t enough alone, but they are supplemental rather than foundational.