What is meant by a pest life cycle?

A pest life cycle refers to the stages of development that pests go through, from egg to adult. Understanding the life cycle is crucial for effectively managing pests in horticulture and agriculture. Typically, the life cycle includes several distinct stages: the egg stage, larval or nymph stage, pupal stage (if applicable), and the adult stage.

By comprehending these stages, horticulturists and farmers are better equipped to identify the appropriate times to apply control measures, such as insecticides, traps, or cultural practices. For instance, targeting pests during their vulnerable stages can significantly enhance pest control efforts and reduce their populations more effectively.

While other options touch on relevant concepts, they do not define the life cycle itself. The various methods to control pests, environmental factors affecting their lifespan, and their impacts on crop yield are all separate concepts that relate to pest management but do not describe the actual life cycle stages of the pests.