Which type of plants are referred to as indicator plants in pest management?

Indicator plants in pest management are those that exhibit early signs of pest problems, effectively serving as alerts for pest populations that may be affecting other crops nearby. This type of plant is particularly valuable in integrated pest management strategies because they can signal a pest's presence before it spreads more widely or becomes a significant threat to commercial or garden plants.

By observing indicator plants, growers can assess the potential risk to their main crops and take proactive measures, such as implementing pest control interventions or altering cultural practices to mitigate damage. Because these plants display symptoms of pest interactions early, pest management decisions can be informed and timely, reducing the overall impact of the pest on the surrounding ecosystem.

In contrast, the other types of plants mentioned do not fulfill this role. For instance, plants that thrive in any condition might not be indicative of pest stresses. Likewise, plants that are not susceptible to pests or those cultivated solely for attracting pests would not serve the purpose of indicating problems but rather focus on different aspects of pest management or prevention. Therefore, the defining characteristic of indicator plants is their ability to show early signs of pest problems, making them a crucial part of effective pest management strategies.