Which term best describes pests requiring annual management to prevent economic loss?

The term that best describes pests requiring annual management to prevent economic loss is "Key pests." Key pests are those that consistently cause significant damage or economic loss if not managed effectively. They are often the primary focus of pest management strategies because they represent a recurring threat to crops or plants each growing season.

Key pests are typically well understood in terms of their life cycles, behaviors, and the thresholds for action, which allows for the development of targeted management strategies. This is crucial for agricultural practices, where preventing economic loss is essential for sustainability and profitability.

In contrast, other categories like secondary pests, minor pests, and occasional pests do not generally necessitate year-round management. Secondary pests might become problematic only under specific conditions or as a result of mismanagement of key pests, while minor pests may not cause significant damage and are often tolerable within a certain economic threshold. Occasional pests are those that do not appear consistently or predictably, meaning they require management only when they occur in sufficient numbers to be a concern. These distinctions help pest managers prioritize their efforts effectively.