Introduction to Biological Control Methods
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Questions and Answers

How does the use of living organisms contribute to pest management strategies such as biological control?

Living organisms are used to combat various pests including other invertebrate pests, weeds and plant pathogens.

What are the key advantages of using biological control methods in agriculture and ecosystem management?

Advantages include sustainability, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, conservation of biodiversity, and minimal environmental impact. These methods provide environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for pest management.

Describe two historical examples of successful biological control that have been used in pest management.

The cottony cushion scale being controlled in citrus in 1888. Birds being used to control locusts in 1762.

In biological control, how can the origin of a pest (whether indigenous or exotic) affect management strategies?

<p>The origin dictates the selection of control agents. Indigenous pests might be managed using native predators, while exotic pests may require the introduction of specific non-native control agents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how environmental conditions can impact the effectiveness of biological control measures.

<p>Factors like temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes affect the survival and activity of biological control agents and their target pests. Timing the release of control agents with optimal environmental conditions enhances success.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some essential characteristics that define an effective natural enemy used in biological control?

<p>Adaptability, host specificity, rapid multiplication, high search capacity, and easy laboratory culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do hyperparasites pose a challenge to biological control efforts?

<p>Hyperparasites attack primary parasites, reducing their effectiveness in controlling the target pest and disrupting the intended biological control process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the risks associated with pesticide use in biological control programs?

<p>Pesticides can harm natural enemies alongside pests, disrupting the ecological balance and reducing the effectiveness of biological control. This can lead to pest resurgence and secondary pest outbreaks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does environmental variability affect the success of biological control applications?

<p>Environmental variability affects reproduction and survival of biocontrol agents. Optimal habitats can boost beneficial species, while unsuitable ones diminish their effectiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some future directions and advancements that could enhance the effectiveness of biological control methods?

<p>Genetic enhancement of natural enemies and improved mass rearing techniques. Further integration with sustainable pest management strategies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biological Control

Using living organisms to control pests, pathogens, and weeds.

Human Benefits of Biocontrol

Benefits agriculture and ecosystem management.

Targets of Biocontrol

Invertebrate pests, weeds, and plant pathogens.

1762

Birds used to control locusts.

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1888

Cottony cushion scale controlled in citrus.

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1929

Beetle used against cottony cushion scale.

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1964

Parasite employed to control castor semilooper.

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Crop Factors in Biocontrol

Tolerance to injury, value, and duration of the crop.

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Pest Origin & Biocontrol

Whether the pest is native or foreign influences strategies.

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Environmental conditions

Seasons and pesticide use impact effectiveness.

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Study Notes

  • Biological control refers to the use of living organisms to manage pests, pathogens, and weeds
  • Biological control offers advantages in agriculture and ecosystem management
  • Biological control involves managing invertebrate pests, weeds, and plant pathogens

History

  • 1762: Birds were used to control locusts
  • 1888: The cottony cushion scale was controlled in citrus
  • 1929: A beetle was used against cottony cushion scale
  • 1964: A parasite was used to control castor semilooper

Factors Governing Biological Control

  • Crop Factors: Tolerance to injury, crop value, and duration influence the effectiveness of biological control
  • Pest Origin: Whether a pest is indigenous or exotic influences control strategies
  • Environmental Conditions: Seasons and pesticide use can impact the effectiveness biological control

Characteristics of Effective Natural Enemies:

  • Adaptability for thriving in different environments
  • Host Specificity in targeting specific pests
  • Rapid Multiplication to establish populations quickly
  • High Search Capacity to effectively locate pests
  • Easy Laboratory Culture for research and mass production

Challenges in Biological Control

  • Hyperparasites can reduce the effectiveness of primary parasites
  • Pesticide Use may harm natural enemies alongside pests
  • Environmental Variability can affect reproduction and survival of biocontrol agents

Future

  • Genetic Enhancement of natural enemies and improved mass rearing techniques are areas of research
  • Integration involves combining biocontrol with other sustainable pest management strategies

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Explore biological control methods using living organisms to manage pests, pathogens, and weeds. This approach offers significant advantages in agriculture and ecosystem management. Understand the historical applications and factors governing its effectiveness.

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