What is one way to prevent the spread of pests in greenhouses?

Implementing a strict sanitation protocol is an effective way to prevent the spread of pests in greenhouses because it focuses on maintaining a clean environment, which minimizes potential habitats and food sources for pests. This involves routinely cleaning and disinfecting all greenhouse surfaces, tools, and equipment, as well as removing any plant debris and waste material that could harbor insects or diseases.

A well-maintained sanitation protocol creates barriers to pest introduction and development, helping to disrupt their life cycles and ultimately reduce the overall pest population. By ensuring that the greenhouse is as clean as possible and keeping it free from contaminants, growers can significantly decrease the chances of pest outbreaks, contributing to healthier plants and more robust crop yields.

Other options, while potentially useful in pest management, do not address the core issue of keeping the greenhouse environment free from pests as effectively. Regular irrigation could actually promote pest issues if not managed correctly, as excess moisture can encourage certain pests and diseases. Using pesticides can help manage infestations but does not prevent them from occurring in the first place, and practicing crop rotation is typically more applicable to field settings rather than enclosed greenhouses, where pest management strategies can be different.