Biological control is the use of living organisms to suppress pest populations, making them less damaging than they would otherwise be. Natural enemies of insects play an important role in limiting the densities of potential pests. These natural enemies include predators, parasitoids, and pathogens.
How do you use biological control to control pest and diseases in crops and give examples?
Examples of biological control include the destruction of the citrophilus mealybug in California by two parasitic species of chalcid wasps imported from Australia, Coccophagus gurneyi and Tetracnemus pretiosus; the effective predation of an Australian ladybird beetle, or vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis), on the …
What is biological control of pests How is it beneficial?
Biological control is the beneficial action of parasites, pathogens, and predators in managing pests and their damage. Biocontrol provided by these living organisms, collectively called “natural enemies,” is especially important for reducing the numbers of pest insects and mites.
How can we control plant pests and diseases?
The best way to control both pests and diseases is to keep plants healthy.
- Build healthy soil. Healthy soil provides a home to friendly insects and helps prevent many plant diseases.
- Plant resistant varieties. …
- Space plants correctly. …
- Plant at the right times.
What is biological control in agriculture?
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. … provides biosecurity measures to prevent introduction, and to eradicate or manage current pests.
What are 3 methods of pest control?
As mentioned above, there are many pest control methods available to choose from, but they can be loosely grouped into six categories: Hygienic, Biological, Chemical, Physical, Fumigation, Fogging and Heat treatment.
What are three biological pest control methods?
There are three primary methods of using biological control in the field: 1) conservation of existing natural enemies, 2) introducing new natural enemies and establishing a permanent population (called “classical biological control”), and 3) mass rearing and periodic release, either on a seasonal basis or inundatively.
What methods can be used to control pests in organic farming?
Mechanical and physical control – include tillage, mowing, cutting, mulching and organic soil coverage and barriers. Tillage turning the soil between crops to incorporate crop residues and soil amendments. It also destroys weeds and disrupts pest life cycle.
How can I control pests naturally?
Natural Insect Pest Control
- Soapy Water. Keep a small spray bottle handy, and spray the ants with a bit of soapy water. …
- Bedding and Mattress Covers. …
- Diatomaceous Earth. …
- Nontoxic Flea Traps. …
- Removing Water Around the House. …
- Mint. …
- Bed Bug Spray.