What does "pest management threshold" indicate?

The term "pest management threshold" specifically refers to the critical point at which pest populations reach a level that necessitates intervention to prevent unacceptable damage to crops or forestry resources. This concept is essential in integrated pest management, as it helps practitioners decide when to act based on the observed pest population and its potential impact on the environment or economic yield.

By establishing these thresholds, managers avoid unnecessary applications of pesticides, thereby promoting more sustainable practices that minimize negative effects on non-target organisms and the ecosystem. The threshold is often based on scientific research and field data, which inform when pest control measures are warranted to protect overall plant health and productivity.