Which of the following is a mechanical control method used in IPM?

Hand-picking pests from plants is a clear example of a mechanical control method used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This method physically removes pests, such as insects or larvae, from crops and plants, thus helping to reduce their populations without the use of chemicals or biological agents. Mechanical control methods focus on physical barriers and removal techniques that minimize pest damage in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Applying chemical pesticides involves introducing synthetic or natural chemicals to eliminate pests, which does not fall under mechanical control. Utilizing natural predators is a biological control method that relies on the presence of other organisms to manage pest populations instead of physical removal. Planting monocultures refers to growing a single crop type, which can sometimes lead to pest problems rather than serving as a control method. In contrast, hand-picking directly addresses pest issues through an active physical intervention, embodying the principles of mechanical control.