In integrated pest management (IPM) programs, the foundation of disease control is:

• A. Resistant cultivars
• B. Fungicides
• C. Cultural practices
• D. Resistant cultivars and cultural practices

Answer: (D)

In IPM, preventing disease by reducing the conditions that allow it to thrive is the starting point. Using resistant cultivars gives plants a built-in defense, lowering the likelihood of infection. Pair that with cultural practices that change the environment to be less favorable for pathogens—such as crop rotation to break life cycles, removing crop debris and diseased plant material, proper sanitation, selecting appropriate planting dates, and ensuring good spacing and airflow to reduce leaf wetness. Together, these strategies lower disease pressure across the field, often cutting down or eliminating the need for chemical controls.

Fungicides are important tools, but they come into play after risk is present or to supplement other tactics. They don’t address the underlying conditions that allow disease to develop in the first place, which is why resistant cultivars combined with cultural practices form the foundation of disease control.