Pest Management Biological Control

Question 1

What is biological control in pest management?

Answer 1

The use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, and pathogens, to control pest populations.

Question 2

True or False: Biological control involves the use of chemical pesticides to manage pests.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What are the advantages of biological control over chemical pesticides?

Answer 3

Reduced environmental impact, decreased resistance development in pests, and long-term pest control.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Biological control relies on the natural __________ of pests by their natural enemies.

Answer 4

regulation

Question 5

What are the three main types of biological control?

Answer 5

Classical, augmentative, and conservation biological control.

Question 6

Which type of biological control involves the introduction of exotic natural enemies to control pests?

Answer 6

Classical biological control

Question 7

What is augmentative biological control?

Answer 7

The release of large numbers of natural enemies to control pest populations.

Question 8

True or False: Conservation biological control focuses on preserving natural enemies’ habitats to enhance pest control.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What are some examples of natural enemies used in biological control?

Answer 9

Ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and nematodes.

Question 10

What is the role of parasitoids in biological control?

Answer 10

Parasitoids lay their eggs inside or on the host, eventually killing it.

Question 11

What is the difference between a predator and a parasitoid in biological control?

Answer 11

A predator kills and consumes many prey, while a parasitoid lays eggs inside or on a host, eventually killing it.

Question 12

What is the importance of monitoring pest populations in biological control?

Answer 12

To determine pest levels and the effectiveness of natural enemies in controlling them.

Question 13

What are some challenges of biological control?

Answer 13

Slow initial impact, dependence on environmental conditions, and potential non-target effects.

Question 14

How can integrated pest management (IPM) enhance biological control?

Answer 14

By combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical control methods for sustainable pest management.

Question 15

What is the goal of biological control in pest management?

Answer 15

To maintain pest populations below damaging levels while minimizing environmental impact.

Question 16

What are some examples of successful biological control programs?

Answer 16

The control of citrus pests using parasitic wasps, and the management of diamondback moth using parasitoids.

Question 17

What is the term for using plants to attract and retain natural enemies for pest control?

Answer 17

Habitat manipulation

Question 18

True or False: Biological control is a standalone solution for pest management and does not require other control methods.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

What is the role of entomopathogenic fungi in biological control?

Answer 19

They infect and kill insect pests, contributing to pest management.

Question 20

What is the significance of understanding the biology and ecology of natural enemies in biological control?

Answer 20

To optimize their use for effective pest management.

Question 21

What are some examples of cultural control methods that can enhance biological control?

Answer 21

Crop rotation, sanitation practices, and planting pest-resistant varieties.

Question 22

True or False: Biological control is always a sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management option.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

What are the key factors to consider when implementing a biological control program?

Answer 23

Target pest species, natural enemy selection, release timing, and monitoring.

Question 24

What is the role of microbial control agents in biological control?

Answer 24

They are microorganisms that infect and kill pests, contributing to pest management.

Question 25

How can biological control contribute to reducing pesticide use in agriculture?

Answer 25

By providing an alternative pest management strategy that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.