Question

what is the first step in ipm? monitoring and assessing pest levels eradicating pests from crops burn the entire crop field applying chemical pesticides

Explanation:

IPM (Integrated Pest Management) begins with monitoring pest populations. This step helps determine if pest damage exceeds the 10% threshold. If not, no action is taken. Only after monitoring (Step 1: Monitor Pest Population in the diagram) do other steps (biological/cultural/mechanical controls or chemical pesticides) come into play if damage is over 10%. Eradicating pests (not just monitoring), burning crops (extreme, not first step), or applying pesticides (Step 3 in diagram) aren't the initial IPM actions. Monitoring is foundational to decide subsequent pest - management strategies.

Answer:

monitoring and assessing pest levels