Question

Biological control of pests is

• A. polluting
• B. highly expensive
• C. self-perpetuating
• D. toxic

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The pest management that uses the natural predators, parasites and competitors to eliminate or regulate the growth of pests is biological control of pests. The biological control agents are not reapplied periodically, they have the tendency to establish a self-sustaining population and thus persist in the environment. Some of the features of biological control to be self perpetuating are as follows:

1. Establish natural enemies: When biological controls are introduced in the ecosystem, when favorable conditions are given, they tend to establish a population. This population can continue growing and control the pest over time.
2. Reproduction: The population will establish themselves and then reproduce to increase their number. The population will eventually feed on the pest and thus grow and reproduce.
3. Adaption: There is a technique of co evolution and adaptation. In this the predator modifies itself as the prey changes with time. They both co-evolve. This will lead to a more sustainable control system.

Read more from chapter: Microbes in Human Welfare 

Answer 2

The Correct Answer is (C)

Real Life Applications

Real-life applications of biological control pests are as follows: 

• Ladybirds can be used to control aphids. They act as predators and eat aphids.

• The use of parasitic wasps to control caterpillars.
• Mosquitoes can be controlled by fungi, and therefore used as biopesticides.

Question can also be asked as

• What is biological control?
• What is the mechanism of biological control?
• What are the benefits of biological control?

Answer 3

Biocontrol agents are the microbes that protect the pants from pest and parasites. They will help in the generation of pest free crops. They will control the plants from plant pests such as weeds, insects, and mites. These  biocontrol agents do not harm the useful bacteria that are present in the soil. 

Types of Biocontrol 

There are two types of biological control:

Classical biocontrol- this is the organic method of controlling pests. They use the natural predators of the plants. But they have the tendency to become pests themselves. 

Inductive biocontrol- To kill a specific pest or weed, the predators are left in the soil. For example, nematodes. 

Different biological control agents

Some of the biocontrol agents are as given below:

• Fungi: Fungi are fast evolving and they do not cause any harm to the plants. 
• Predators: They are the free living species that eat a large number of prey. 
• Bacteria: The bacteria infect the digestive tracts of the insects. 
• Virus: Viruses can be developed that are specific to their targets and make effective biocontrol agents. 

Characteristics of biocontrol agents

• They should be able to multiply rapidly  and also colonies. 
• They should not harm the surrounding plants
• Long shelf life of the biomass after the production 

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