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Chapter 13: Problem 7

Describe the four categories of natural, or biological, pest control. Cite examples of each and discuss their effectiveness.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The four categories of natural, or biological, pest control methods include predators (like birds that eat insects), parasites (like the wasp Trichogramma), pathogens (like the fungus Beauveria bassiana), and competitors (like grass varieties that compete with unwanted weeds). Each one of these methods is effective in controlling the population of pests by either reducing their numbers, hindering their growth and reproduction or causing diseases that kill or debilitate them.

Step by step solution

01

Category 1: Predators

Predators are usually larger organisms that feed upon the pests. For example, birds often feed on insects, a common type of pest. Predators are effective in pest control as they naturally reduce the pest population by hunting them for food.
02

Category 2: Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism at the host's expense. An example is the tiny wasp Trichogramma, which lays its eggs inside the eggs of harmful pests, effectively killing them. Parasites prove to be effective in biological pest control as they interfere with the pests' reproduction or health.
03

Category 3: Pathogens

Pathogens include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause diseases in pests. For instance, the fungus Beauveria bassiana causes a disease in insects upon contact and is used as a biological pesticide. Pathogens are effective as they can kill or debilitate the pest, reducing their population.
04

Category 4: Competitors

Competitors are organisms introduced to compete with pests for resources. For example, certain types of grass can be introduced into a lawn to outcompete pest weeds for resources. This method can be effective for controlling pest populations as it reduces the available resources for the pests, hindering their growth and reproduction.

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