Which of the following strategies can reduce pesticide use?

Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques is a key strategy for reducing pesticide use because it promotes a holistic approach to pest control that emphasizes prevention and the careful selection of tools and practices. IPM incorporates a variety of strategies, including monitoring pest populations, identifying pests accurately, and using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods tailored to the specific pest and situation. By addressing the root causes of pest issues and using pesticides as one component of a broader strategy only when necessary, IPM significantly minimizes reliance on chemical applications and thereby reduces the overall use of pesticides.

This is in contrast to approaches such as applying pesticides at higher rates, which can lead to increased chemical exposure without necessarily improving control effectiveness. Similarly, choosing more toxic chemicals or conducting applications more frequently can escalate pesticide use and may result in negative environmental and health impacts.