HPIPM:Biological Control Introduction

Author: David J. Kazmer & Michael J. Brewer

Biological control is the suppression of one species' populations by one or more other species. Species that reduce other species' populations are commonly referred to as "natural enemies" or "biological control agents." Many natural enemies, such as predators, suppress populations directly by killing individuals. Others, such as pathogens, suppress populations more indirectly by weakening individuals, making them more susceptible to other sources of mortality or reducing the number of offspring produced. This chapter provides a brief introduction to the use of biological control ("biocontrol") for pest management. Emphasis is placed on biocontrol of arthropod pest (insects and mites), but many of the principles are the same for biocontrol of weeds and plant pathogens.