Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases using other organisms . It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role.
What is the biological control?
Biological control is the management of a pest through the use of their natural enemies (biological control agent). A biological control agent is an organism such as a virus, insect or plant disease.
What are the 3 methods of pest control?
- Physical methods of pest control. This is one of the natural methods of pest control; it is a non-chemical pest control method. ...
- Chemical methods of pest control. ...
- Cultural methods of pest control. ...
- Biological methods of pest control.
What are the three types of biological control?
There are three broad and somewhat overlapping types of biological control: conservation, classical biological control (introduction of natural enemies to a new locale), and augmentation.
What are some examples of biological control?
- Biological control is a method of controlling pest populations naturally, without the use of toxic chemicals. ...
- Repellent plants. ...
- Barrier plants. ...
- Indicator plants. ...
- Trap plants. ...
- Insectary plants. ...
- Do your homework.
What is an example of a biological control attempt that went wrong?
Cane toads , which were introduced in 1935 to control cane beetles in Queensland’s sugar cane crops, are probably the most infamous example of biocontrol going wrong in Australia.
What are the advantages of biological control?
- It is usually highly specific to a particular pest.
- Although expensive to introduce (mainly due to research costs), it can be very cheap in the long term.
- It can provide a long-term solution to a pest problem.
- There is no environmental contamination.
What is the importance of biological control?
Biological control is an element of an integrated pest management approach. It is an environmentally safe and efficient means of reducing pests by the use of natural enemies . Biological control agents are Predators, Parasitoid insects and Micro-organisms (bacteria, virus and fungi).
Why does biological control not work?
This article will address five factors including: 1) not implementing a reliable scouting program ; 2) not conducting a quality assessment of purchased natural enemies; 3) not releasing enough natural enemies; 4) releasing natural enemies too late; and 5) applying pesticides that directly or indirectly affect natural ...
What is the most common method of pest control?
The most common method of pest control is the use of pesticides —chemicals that either kill pests or inhibit their development. Pesticides are often classified according to the pest they are intended to control.
What are IPM methods?
IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.
What is the best pest control method?
- Biological Pest Control. Biological pest control is the most natural method known today. ...
- Mechanical Pest Control. Mechanical pest control method includes the use of equipment as well as devices to get the job done. ...
- Poisoned Bait. ...
- Field Burning. ...
- Trap Cropping. ...
- Pesticides.
What are the major techniques of biological control?
There are three general approaches to biological control; importation, augmentation and conservation of natural enemies . Each of these techniques can be used either alone or in combination in a biological control program.
What is the key to IPM?
IPM means responding to pest problems with the most effective, least-risk option . Under IPM, actions are taken to control pests only when their numbers are likely to exceed acceptable levels. Any action taken is designed to target the troublesome pest and limit the impact on other organisms and the environment.
What is augmentative biological control?
Definition: Augmentative biological control: The release of additional numbers of a natural enemy when too few are present to control a pest effectively . This relies on an ability to mass-produce large numbers of the natural enemy in a laboratory.
What are the 3 ways to control invasive species?
There are three main methods used for control of invasive species — biological, mechanical, and chemical .
