Which method involves the direct killing of pests or making the environment unsuitable for them?

The method that directly involves the killing of pests or making the environment unsuitable for them is mechanical/physical applied control. This approach utilizes physical means to eliminate pests, such as trapping, tilling, mowing, or manually removing pests from plants. The focus is on directly targeting the pest population or altering the habitat in ways that make it inhospitable for the pests to thrive.

In contrast, regulatory applied control focuses on laws and regulations to manage pest outbreaks rather than direct action. Genetic applied control involves using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to resist pests, which doesn't directly kill them but aims to create plants that can withstand pest pressures. Cultural applied control involves changing farming practices to reduce pest incidence indirectly, such as crop rotation or adjusting planting dates, rather than employing direct measures against the pests themselves.