Making use of plant varieties that are naturally resistant to insect feeding is an example of which type of pest management method?

• A. Biological
• B. Regulatory
• C. Cultural
• D. Genetic

Answer: (D)

Using plant varieties naturally resistant to insect feeding relies on the plant’s own genetic traits to deter or withstand pest pressure. This is a genetic pest management method because the resistance is built into the plant’s genes, typically achieved through selective breeding or genetics to produce cultivars that reduce feeding, survival, or reproduction of pests. It differs from biological control, which uses natural enemies of pests; regulatory controls, which rely on laws or quarantines; and cultural controls, which change practices like timing or sanitation to lower pest pressure. The resistance trait is an inherent feature of the plant, not dependent on releasing predators or altering the environment.