Biological controls and IPM

Question 1

Biological control

Answer 1

In biological control the control agent is a natural predator, parasite or pathogen of the pest.
The pest population can be reduced by the deliberate introduction of this organism

Question 2

Predator example

Answer 2

Ladybirds act as predators of adult greenfly

Question 3

Parasite example

Answer 3

Encarsia wasp larvae are parasitic on whiteflies

Question 4

Pathogen example

Answer 4

Bacillus thuringienis (Bt) causes disease in caterpillars

Question 5

Risks with biological control

Answer 5

• The introduced species could become a pest
• The introduced species may become invasive and out-compete native species and reduce biodiversity.
• The introduced species may introduce parasites or disease. Or be a pathogen to other species itself.

Question 6

Integrated pest management (IPM)

Answer 6

IPM combines cultural, chemical and biological control.

Question 7

Features of IPM

Answer 7

• Identification of the pest species;
• Monitoring of pest populations;
• Monitoring of damage caused;
• Control of environmental factors (where possible) to create unfavourable conditions for the pest;
• Using a variety of control methods rather than
just one – a combination approach.