Which of the following is an essential component of both IVM and IPM?

Manual and cultural practices are essential components of both Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) because they promote ecological balance and minimize reliance on chemical treatments. These practices can include techniques such as selecting suitable plant species, adjusting planting times, and implementing methods that support natural pest predators. By focusing on these proactive approaches, both IVM and IPM aim to manage vegetation and pests in a sustainable manner that enhances environmental health while still achieving control over unwanted plants or pests.

The other approaches, such as strictly using chemical pesticides, focusing solely on biological control, or using only mechanical methods, are more limited in scope. They do not encompass the holistic strategies that characterize both IVM and IPM, which integrate various methods for effective and sustainable management.