When is it biological control?
Biological control is increasingly important for crop protection but the definition has become less clear as a number of different alternative terms and definitions have been launched. SLU researchers present an updated terminology and conceptual platform for biological control.
The regulations for the approval of biological products have contributed to the confusion through the use of inconsistent terminology and unclear definitions. Therefore, it is important to define more precisely what we really mean when we say biological control.
This is our definition:
Three players involved
Biological control always involves the following three separate players:
- a biocontrol agent,
- a pest, and
- a human stakeholder benefitting from the pest control provided by the biocontrol agent.
The four different types
All biological control can be divided into:
- Natural biological control: The service carried out by resident natural enemies of pests and pathogens without human involvement.
- Conservation biological control: Directed stimulation of resident natural enemies to enhance their control of pests and pathogens.
- Augmentative biological control: Addition of propagated biocontrol agents, temporarily increasing their population densities in a targeted area.
- Classical biological control: Addition of new biocontrol agents for proliferation and long-term establishment.
These categories can be used individually or be combined.
– We encourage researchers, legislators, authorities and industry to use the updated terminology and conceptual platform to facilitate and clarify communication about biological control, says Maria Viketoft.
– We hope that our research can help to understand, optimize and legislate on biological control so the methods can best contribute to safer, more environmentally friendly food production, says Ingvar Sundh.
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