True or False: A key pest is a pest that must be controlled every year to prevent economic damage.

A key pest is indeed defined as a pest that requires annual management to prevent significant economic damage to crops or the environment. These pests are often prevalent, and their populations can rapidly increase if left uncontrolled, leading to substantial losses in agriculture or horticulture operations. The concept of key pests is crucial in integrated pest management (IPM), as recognizing which pests fall into this category allows for more targeted, efficient, and sustainable pest control practices. By focusing efforts on key pests, growers can optimize resources and reduce pesticide use while safeguarding their yields and quality of produce.

In contrast, pests that do not require annual control or those that may not cause significant economic damage do not qualify as key pests. Thus, identifying and understanding key pests is fundamental for effective pest management strategies.