Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

When was DDT banned in the US and what concept emerged shortly after?

1. 1972; Biopesticides

2. 1970; Organic Farming

3. 1972; Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

4. 1975; Chemical Alternatives

The correct answer is: 1972; Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

DDT, or dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, was banned in the United States in 1972 due to its harmful environmental and health effects, particularly its impact on wildlife and human health. Following this significant policy change, the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerged as a holistic approach to pest control. IPM emphasizes the use of a variety of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pest populations in a way that is environmentally sound and economically viable. The development of IPM was largely in response to the need for sustainable agricultural practices that would reduce reliance on chemical pesticides like DDT. IPM strategies often incorporate monitoring pest populations, using resistant plant varieties, and employing biological control agents, while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms and the environment. This concept gained traction in the years following the ban, aligning with broader movements toward environmentally friendly agriculture. Understanding the context of DDT's ban and the rise of IPM highlights the ongoing evolution in pest management practices, shifting from an over-reliance on single chemical solutions to more integrated and sustainable approaches that protect both crops and the ecosystem.