What does "mitigation" refer to in phytosanitary practices?

Mitigation in phytosanitary practices refers specifically to actions taken to reduce pest risk. This encompasses a range of strategies that aim to minimize the likelihood of pest introduction or spread, ensuring that plant health is maintained. This can include practices such as monitoring and surveillance, proper sanitation procedures, and the establishment of quarantine measures.

Choosing mitigation as a focus highlights the importance of preventative measures rather than solely relying on elimination or eradication. This proactive approach helps maintain healthy ecosystems and agricultural systems by addressing potential pest threats before they become significant problems.

While strategies to eliminate pests and procedures for pest eradication are important aspects of pest management, they are often considered more reactive measures. Increasing pest resistance is also relevant, but it pertains more to biological or genetic approaches to strengthen plants rather than reducing risk per se. Thus, the choice that best fits the definition of mitigation in the context of phytosanitary practices is the focus on actions that reduce pest risk.