Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that employs a variety of strategies to manage pest populations effectively and sustainably. The fundamental benefits of IPM include reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing crop health and yields. However, one of the key principles of IPM is that it does not guarantee the complete elimination of all pests, which is essential for two main reasons.

First, IPM recognizes that some level of pest presence is often acceptable. This is based on the understanding that pests can have natural controls and that complete eradication might not be feasible or even necessary. Many pests play a role in the ecosystem, and their complete removal could disrupt this balance.

Second, IPM emphasizes monitoring and threshold levels, which means that the goal is to keep pest populations below damaging levels rather than attempting to eliminate them entirely. This approach not only helps in maintaining ecological balance but also reduces the risk of developing pesticide resistance among pest populations.

Overall, while the other options reflect the positive impacts of IPM on agriculture and ecosystem health, the assertion that IPM guarantees the elimination of all pests contradicts its core philosophy and approach.