What is biological control in the context of IPM?

Biological control in the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to the practice of utilizing natural enemies to manage pest populations. This can involve the introduction or conservation of natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on pest species like aphids. Additionally, it can include the use of parasitoids, which are organisms that live in or on a host, ultimately killing it, or pathogenic organisms like bacteria, fungi, or viruses that specifically target pests.

The primary objective of biological control is to maintain pest populations at manageable levels rather than eradicating them entirely, thus promoting a balanced ecosystem. This approach reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizes environmental impacts, and helps promote biodiversity. By leveraging the existing natural dynamics of pest and predator interactions, biological control represents a sustainable strategy within the broader framework of IPM.