Biological control uses natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Effective pest management involves identifying pests, selecting appropriate bio-control agents, and monitoring the results for continued effectiveness. Preparation steps include assessing pest problems, selecting and rearing bio-control agents, applying them, and evaluating their success.

1. Selecting Bio-Control
Activities and Preparing
for Application in Pest
Management

2. Biological control involves using
natural predators, parasites, or
pathogens to manage pest
populations. It’s an environmentally
friendly alternative to chemical
pesticides.

3. Biological Control:
Using living organisms to
suppress pest populations.

4. Types of Bio-Control Agents:
•Predators: Animals that hunt and consume pests
(e.g., ladybugs eating aphids).
•Parasitoids: Insects that lay eggs on or in pests,
with larvae feeding on the host (e.g., parasitic
wasps).
•Pathogens: Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi,
viruses) that infect pests (e.g., Bacillus
thuringiensis).

5. Selecting Bio-Control Agents:
•Pest Identification: Accurate identification of the
pest is crucial.
•Natural Enemies: Selection of agents that
naturally prey on or parasitize the pest.
•Environmental Compatibility: Ensuring the bio-
control agents do not harm non-target species.
•Rearing and Release: Methods for rearing bio-
control agents and their application in the field.

6. Selecting Bio-Control Agents:
•Pest Identification: Accurate identification of the
pest is crucial.
•Natural Enemies: Selection of agents that
naturally prey on or parasitize the pest.
•Environmental Compatibility: Ensuring the bio-
control agents do not harm non-target species.
•Rearing and Release: Methods for rearing bio-
control agents and their application in the field.

7. Preparation Steps:
1.Assessment of Pest Problem:
a. Identify the pest and its life cycle.
b. Evaluate the damage and pest population
levels.
2.Selection of Bio-Control Agents:
a. Research natural enemies of the pest.
b. Choose agents that are effective and
commercially available.

8. 3. Raising Bio-Control Agents:
a. Methods for breeding and maintaining the agents.
b. Ensure the agents are healthy and viable.
4. Application:
a. Determine the best time and method for release (e.g., release
during pest’s vulnerable stage).
b. Monitor the effectiveness and adjust as necessary.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
a. Regularly check the pest and bio-control agent populations.
b. Assess the impact on pest numbers and adjust strategies if
needed.

9. Quiz: True or False
1.Biological control only involves the use of predators to manage pest populations.
False
2.Parasitoids lay eggs inside or on the pest, and their larvae feed on the host.
True
3.Bio-control agents can sometimes harm non-target species if not selected carefully.
True
4.Pest identification is not important when selecting a bio-control agent.
False
5.Bacillus thuringiensis is a type of biological control agent that is a fungus.
False
6.Bio-control agents should be released when the pest population is at its peak.
False
7.Environmental compatibility of bio-control agents ensures they do not harm beneficial organisms.
True
8.Natural enemies of pests are usually ineffective against pests in their larval stage.
False
9.The success of a bio-control program can be assessed by monitoring changes in pest populations.
True
10.Bio-control agents are always available commercially and can be used without further preparation.
False
11.Regular monitoring is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of bio-control agents.
True
12.Bio-control agents should be released in areas where pest populations are low.
False
13.Rearing bio-control agents requires careful attention to their health and well-being.
True
14.Pathogens used in bio-control are always bacteria.
False
15.The application of bio-control agents should be adapted based on pest and environmental conditions.
True