Which statement about cultural control practices is true?

Cultural control practices are important strategies in integrated pest management (IPM) that focus on modifying the environment or the way farming and gardening activities are conducted to reduce pest populations. The statement that they reduce pest establishment, reproduction, and survival is accurate because cultural controls can involve practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and altering planting times or methods, all of which can disrupt the life cycle of pests and reduce their ability to thrive.

For example, rotating crops can prevent the buildup of pests that flourish in monoculture systems. Similarly, maintaining clean environments can eliminate food sources and breeding grounds for pests. By implementing these methods, the overall pest pressure is diminished, making it a broadly effective approach within pest management.

Other statements do not hold true when considering the efficiency and objectives of cultural controls. They do not aim to increase pest reproduction or rely solely on chemical solutions, nor are they ineffective in reducing pest survival. This highlights the essential role cultural control practices play in an effective pest management strategy.