Which method is commonly used for pest control in horticulture?

Mechanical control is a widely used method in horticulture for managing pests. This approach involves physical actions to prevent, deter, or eliminate pests from plants. Techniques can include hand-picking pests off plants, using traps, barriers, or screens to prevent pest access, and employing tools such as hoes or cultivators to disrupt pest habitats. Mechanical control is advantageous because it often minimizes the risk of chemical exposure to humans, beneficial insects, and the environment, making it a sustainable option for many growers.

In contrast, chemical control focuses solely on the use of pesticides, while biological control encompasses methods that involve natural predators or parasites to manage pest populations. While both chemical and biological controls are essential components of integrated pest management strategies, relying exclusively on them can lead to problems such as pesticide resistance or disruptions in local ecosystems. Therefore, mechanical control stands out as a foundational and practical approach in the horticultural pest management toolbox, emphasizing physical intervention as a means of maintaining plant health.