Which of the following describes cultural control methods?

Cultural control methods in pest and disease management focus on altering the environment, farming practices, or cultural practices to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. This approach emphasizes preventive measures rather than reactive strategies.

The description that includes activities such as plant management through irrigation, raking, and pruning is a clear representation of cultural control methods. These practices help maintain plant health, improve air circulation, and create conditions that are less favorable for pests and diseases. For instance, proper irrigation can prevent waterlogging, thus reducing root rot diseases, while pruning helps in removing infected or dead plant parts, minimizing the risk of disease spread.

Other choices do not fit the definition of cultural control methods, as they focus on different strategies. The application of chemical pesticides represents a chemical control method, which targets pests directly. The use of genetically modified organisms is related to genetic control strategies, which might involve the introduction of specific traits to enhance pest resistance but does not inherently qualify as a cultural control method.