What is biological control in the context of pest management?

Biological control refers to the practice of managing pests through the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens that specifically target the pest species. This approach leverages the ecological interactions between species to help regulate pest populations without the reliance on synthetic chemicals.

For instance, introducing a natural predator, such as ladybugs to control aphid populations, exemplifies biological control. This method can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to chemical applications, as it can reduce the reliance on pesticides and minimize negative impacts on non-target organisms and the ecosystem.

Other methods mentioned, such as synthetic chemicals, mechanical traps, and hybrid plant species, do not fall under the definition of biological control. They represent different pest management strategies, each with its own applications and implications.