Biological control

Definition

The deliberate use of living organisms—predators, parasitoids, pathogens, or herbivores—to suppress populations of pest species (insects, mites, weeds, or pathogens) in managed ecosystems. Unlike natural biological suppression, biological control involves active human selection, introduction, augmentation, or conservation of beneficial organisms to achieve economically or ecologically acceptable pest reduction. It is distinguished from chemical and physical control methods and often serves as a core component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

Etymology

Example

The seven-spotted ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla spp.) are mass-released in greenhouses to consume aphid colonies; similarly, the parasitoid wasp Encarsia formosa is deployed against whitefly infestations in protected crops.

Synonyms

• Biocontrol

Related Terms

• Integrated Pest Management
• parasitoid
• predator
• augmentative biological control
• classical biological control
• Conservation biological control
• biopesticide
• host
• Ectoparasitoid

Usage Notes

Specialists distinguish three main approaches: classical (introducing exotic natural enemies for permanent establishment), augmentative (periodic release of mass-reared agents), and conservation (modifying habitat to enhance resident natural enemy populations). Microorganisms used as biological control agents are often regulated separately as biopesticides, distinct from macroorganism agents. The term should not be used for unmanipulated natural enemy activity; that is simply natural biological suppression.