Which statement about biological control is true?

Which statement about biological control is true?

• A. Modifying the environment to enhance natural enemies is recommended in biological control.
• B. Biological control involves importing exotic pests to control natural enemies.
• C. Using several cultural practices and a wide variety of pesticides work best in biological control.
• D. Biological control uses only chemical methods.

Answer: (A)

Biological control centers on using natural enemies to keep pest populations in check. The most effective approach is to modify the environment to favor these beneficial organisms, such as providing flowering plants that feed parasitoids and predators, creating refuges and diverse habitats, and reducing broad-spectrum pesticides that kill non-target natural enemies. When natural enemies are supported and conserved, they can persist and provide ongoing pest suppression, often lowering the need for chemical controls. The idea of importing exotic pests to control natural enemies is not how biological control is practiced, and relying on many cultural practices with a wide array of pesticides undermines the role of natural enemies and can harm them. Biological control is not about using only chemical methods.

Biological control centers on using natural enemies to keep pest populations in check. The most effective approach is to modify the environment to favor these beneficial organisms, such as providing flowering plants that feed parasitoids and predators, creating refuges and diverse habitats, and reducing broad-spectrum pesticides that kill non-target natural enemies. When natural enemies are supported and conserved, they can persist and provide ongoing pest suppression, often lowering the need for chemical controls. The idea of importing exotic pests to control natural enemies is not how biological control is practiced, and relying on many cultural practices with a wide array of pesticides undermines the role of natural enemies and can harm them. Biological control is not about using only chemical methods.