Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What is a characteristic of biological control in pest management?

1. Using chemical pesticides exclusively

2. Introducing natural enemies to control pests

3. Applying mechanical methods to eliminate pests

4. Rotating crops to disrupt pest lifecycle

The correct answer is: Introducing natural enemies to control pests

Biological control in pest management relies on the introduction of natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to regulate pest populations. This method emphasizes the use of living organisms to achieve pest control rather than relying solely on synthetic chemical pesticides or mechanical methods. This approach plays a significant role in sustainable agriculture as it reduces reliance on chemical inputs, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and non-target organisms. Biological control can be highly specific to the target pest, minimizing harm to beneficial organisms while effectively managing pest populations. In contrast, the other options describe different pest management strategies, such as the exclusive use of chemical pesticides, mechanical elimination methods, or crop rotation practices, which do not exemplify the core principle of biological control focused on utilizing natural biological interactions.