QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

What type of control uses natural enemies to manage pest populations?

1. Cultural Control

2. Biological Control

3. Physical Control

4. Pesticidal Control

The correct answer is: Biological Control

Biological control is a method that involves the use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to regulate pest populations and mitigate their impact on crops or the environment. This approach works on the principle of harnessing existing ecological relationships to control pest problems in a sustainable manner, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals. For instance, introducing ladybugs to combat aphid infestations exemplifies biological control. This method is particularly advantageous because it tends to be environmentally friendly, can reduce resistance in pest populations, and often results in a more balanced ecosystem. By fostering these natural enemies, biological control not only helps manage pest populations effectively but also promotes the health of the agricultural ecosystem over the long term. In contrast, cultural control involves changing farming practices to reduce pest habitat, physical control employs barriers or traps, and pesticidal control refers to the use of chemical pesticides to eliminate pests. Each of these alternatives has its own benefits and limitations, but they do not fundamentally rely on the use of natural enemies as biological control does.