What does biological control involve?

What does biological control involve?

• A. Use of naturally occurring disease organisms, parasites, or predators to control pests/weeds
• B. Use of synthetic chemicals
• C. Mechanical removal
• D. Use of genetically modified organisms to control pests/weeds

Answer: (D)

Biological control relies on living organisms to reduce pest populations by exploiting their natural enemies. It involves using disease-causing agents, parasites, or predators that are already part of the ecosystem to keep pests and weeds in check, ideally reducing the need for chemicals. In the context of right-of-way management, this means encouraging or releasing these natural enemies (for example, beneficial insects or microbial pathogens) to suppress unwanted pests in a sustainable way. Although genetic modification can play a role in pest management, it is not the classic definition of biological control, which centers on using living organisms to suppress pests.

Biological control relies on living organisms to reduce pest populations by exploiting their natural enemies. It involves using disease-causing agents, parasites, or predators that are already part of the ecosystem to keep pests and weeds in check, ideally reducing the need for chemicals. In the context of right-of-way management, this means encouraging or releasing these natural enemies (for example, beneficial insects or microbial pathogens) to suppress unwanted pests in a sustainable way. Although genetic modification can play a role in pest management, it is not the classic definition of biological control, which centers on using living organisms to suppress pests.