Which is a cultural control strategy?

• A. Releasing Lady Beetles
• B. Using Beneficial Fungi
• C. Chemical Sprays
• D. Adjusting Irrigation Schedule

Answer: (D)

Cultural control means changing the growing conditions or practices to make the environment less favorable for pests and diseases. Adjusting the irrigation schedule fits this idea because water management directly changes humidity and leaf wetness in the greenhouse. When you water in a way that avoids excess soil moisture and high ambient humidity, you create drier, less hospitable conditions for many pathogens and pests that thrive in wet environments. This approach is preventive and relies on modifying the environment rather than applying treatments to kill pests.

By contrast, releasing lady beetles and using beneficial fungi are biological controls, which introduce or encourage natural enemies of pests. Chemical sprays are chemical controls, relying on pesticides to reduce pest numbers. So adjusting irrigation is the cultural control option.