What is an example of a preventive pest management strategy?

Planting weed- and disease-free seed is a prime example of a preventive pest management strategy because it proactively addresses potential pest issues before they arise. By starting with healthy seeds, you minimize the risk of introducing pests and diseases into the garden or crop area. This practice creates a strong foundation for plant health, reducing the likelihood of pest infestations and the need for reactive measures later on. Such an approach ultimately contributes to sustainable pest management by focusing on long-term solutions that maintain the integrity of the ecosystem and the productivity of the plants.

The other options involve reactive or indiscriminate measures that can exacerbate pest issues rather than prevent them, highlighting why they do not fit the preventive strategy criterion.