CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What is the primary method for controlling European corn borer populations?

1. Chemical Pesticides

2. Crop Rotation

3. Mechanical Traps

4. Biological Control

The correct answer is: Chemical Pesticides

The primary method for controlling European corn borer populations often involves the use of chemical pesticides. This pest can cause significant damage to corn and other crops through its boring activity, which can lead to reduced yield and increased susceptibility to disease. Chemical pesticides are designed to target the specific life stages of the European corn borer effectively, reducing their populations and mitigating the associated crop damage. While other methods like crop rotation, mechanical traps, and biological control can contribute to an integrated pest management strategy, they may not be as immediately effective as chemical pesticides in reducing high populations of this specific pest. Crop rotation can disrupt the life cycle and reduce pest buildup over time, while mechanical traps can capture adult moths but may not address the larvae already affecting the crops. Biological control involves the use of natural predators or parasites, which can take time to establish and may not provide swift results in controlling large infestations. Therefore, chemical pesticides are frequently relied upon for rapid and efficient control of European corn borer populations in agricultural settings.