biological control Flashcards
what are the advantages of biological control?
the predator can search out the pest, and see more than is visible to the human eye.
The predator is specific to the host
No build up in resistance to chemicals
No damage to plants/staff as no chemicals used.
Predator numbers can increase, extending control periods
No chemical residues on fruit/veg so no health risks
What are the disadvantages of biological control?
Slow method
Unpredictable
Needs expert supervision/regular observation
Costly to but predators from supplier
Must be a level of infection there so predator can feed and continue to exist
If the pest population is destroyed, the predator will die from lack of food so a low level of infection has to be accepted.
What mite controls the Red Spider Mite?
Phy-tose-i-ulus pers-i-milis
What controls white fly?
Typh-lod-rom-ips swirs-kii
List some greenhouse hygiene points that will help control pest and diseases
clean structure and cladding inside at least once a year with disinfecting fluid.
Do between crops or in late summer so all plants can be put outside
Cladding/glass cleaned so light levels are improved before the winter months
Scrub down surfaces to remove pest eggs/red spider mite colonies
Clean and disinfect pots/trays to prevent ‘damping off’ diseases
