Correct option is A
The correct answer is (A) Handpicking
Explanation:
• Genetic pest management refers to the use of biological and molecular techniques to modify the genetic makeup of crops or pests to reduce pest damage.
• Handpicking is a physical or mechanical control method. It involves the manual removal of pests (like larvae, beetles, or egg masses) from the plants.
• Genetic methods include developing 'host plant resistance' through traditional plant breeding or modern biotechnology.
• Genetic engineering allows for the insertion of specific genes (like Bt genes) to make the plant inherently toxic or resistant to specific pests.
• Therefore, handpicking does not involve any genetic manipulation or breeding strategies.
Information Booster:
• The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is another form of genetic pest management where sterile males are released into the wild to crash the pest population.
Additional Knowledge:
• Genetic engineering (Option B): Using recombinant DNA technology to create Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
• Plant breeding (Option C): Selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits (like pest resistance) over generations.
• Resistant varieties (Option D): This is the desired outcome of genetic management, where the host plant's internal mechanisms prevent or limit pest attack.