What is the biological control of plant pests?

The biological control of plant pests involves utilizing living organisms or natural materials to manage pest populations. This approach harnesses the natural predators, parasites, or pathogens that are specific to the pest species being targeted. For example, introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that feed on aphids or using nematodes to attack soil-dwelling pests, is a common practice in biological control.

Biological control is favorable because it often results in a sustainable management system that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizing negative impacts on the environment. It also promotes biodiversity and improves ecosystem stability by maintaining the natural balance between various organisms.

The alternatives provided emphasize synthetic or mechanical means of pest control, which do not fit the definition of biological control. Chemical agents and synthetic pesticides involve human-made compounds that directly kill or inhibit pests rather than using natural biological processes. Mechanical traps capture pests physically without relying on biological interactions. In contrast, biological control specifically focuses on natural organisms and their roles in pest management, making it a crucial aspect of integrated pest management strategies.