When should treatment occur according to the action threshold?

The correct approach in pest management is to initiate treatment before pests cause economic injury, aligning with the concept of action thresholds. Action thresholds are pre-determined levels of pest populations that trigger management actions to prevent losses that exceed acceptable levels. By treating before pests reach a point where they can inflict economic harm, it helps to maintain crop health, protects yield, and minimizes financial losses for growers.

This proactive measure is critical because once economic injury occurs, it may be too late or require more intense intervention, which could involve increased pesticide applications and costs. By operating ahead of these thresholds, effective pest management strategies are put in place that can reduce reliance on chemical treatments and contribute to sustainable practices.

Other options, while they may touch on aspects of pest management, do not prioritize the key principle of preventing economic injury through timely intervention based on established thresholds.