Which of the following is NOT included in the broad sense of pests dealt with by IPM?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that includes a variety of strategies to minimize their impact on crops and the environment. In the broad sense of pests dealt with by IPM, the focus is primarily on unwanted organisms that can cause harm to plants or crops.

Insects, pathogens, and weeds are all considered pests in the realm of IPM. Insects can cause direct damage to plants and spread diseases; pathogens include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can lead to diseases in plants; and weeds compete with cultivated plants for resources such as light, nutrients, and water, often inhibiting their growth.

Plants themselves, however, are not classified as pests. While certain plants can be invasive and negatively impact ecosystems or agricultural systems, the term "pest" specifically applies to harmful organisms rather than the beneficial or cultivated plants themselves. Therefore, the category of "plants" does not typically fall under the broad definition of pests managed within the framework of IPM.