Biological Control Strategies III

Bio-control Strategies

• Classical Biological Control

• Augmentation

- Inundation

- Inoculation

• Conservation Biological Control

Conservation Biological Control

• Natural enemies are not released

• Enhance control by indigenous agents

• Habitat management

- Conservation (i.e.,habitat refuges)

- Food sources

Conservation Bio-control Definition

“ Modification of the environment or existing practices to protect and enhance specific natural enemies or other organisms to reduce the effect of pests”

Example: Beetle banks

Cover crops

Enhance natural enemy populations

Hedgerows and weed strips

Intercropping

Crop residues

Taking advantage of epizootics

Avoiding insecticide use

Selective Pesticides

Avoid exposure

Limit insecticide applications

Crop management

Plant characteristics

Soil

Physical environment

Adding food and shelter to crops