Which control method can be described as involving genetic modifications of pests?

The correct choice is genetic control, which encompasses approaches that involve the deliberate alteration of the genetic material of pest organisms to reduce their populations or impacts. This method can include techniques such as genetic engineering to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are less capable of reproducing, or that possess traits making them less harmful to crops or people.

Genetic control can also involve the release of genetically modified pests into an environment to outcompete or replace wild populations. This strategy can lead to more sustainable pest management by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizing environmental impact, while addressing the behavior and reproductive capabilities of the pest populations.

In contrast, cultural control involves altering farming practices and habitats to make conditions less favorable for pests. Chemical control refers to the application of pesticides to kill or manage pest populations, while mechanical control involves the physical removal or exclusion of pests using traps, barriers, or other physical means. Each of these methods plays a role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), but only genetic control specifically leverages genetic modifications as a means of pest management.