Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The escalating use of synthetic pesticides poses significant threats to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Recognizing this, biological control, a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest and disease management, has gained prominence. Biological control utilizes living organisms to suppress pest populations, offering a targeted and environmentally sound alternative to chemical interventions. The FAO promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which increasingly incorporates biological control as a core component. Recent advancements in biotechnology and understanding of microbial interactions are further bolstering the efficacy and application of biological control methods, essential for achieving sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to the goal of 'Bhoomi' - healthy soil, healthy crops, and a healthy planet.
What is Biological Control?
Biological control is a method of controlling pests based on natural predation, parasitism, or competition. It’s a core component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, aiming to minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides. It leverages natural enemies to keep pest populations below economically damaging levels.
Types of Biological Control Agents
1. Microbial Control
This involves utilizing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes to control pests. These agents are often host-specific, reducing the risk of non-target effects.
- Bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used bacterium producing toxins that are lethal to specific insect larvae. Bt toxins are incorporated into genetically modified (GM) crops like Bt cotton.
- Fungi: Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are fungal pathogens that infect insects and nematodes.
- Viruses: Baculoviruses are highly specific to insect pests and are increasingly used as biopesticides.
- Nematodes: Entomopathogenic nematodes like Steinernema and Heterorhabditis parasitize insect larvae.
2. Macrobiological Control
This utilizes larger organisms, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, to control pests.
- Predators: Ladybugs (predators of aphids), lacewings, and spiders are common examples of predatory insects.
- Parasitoids: Parasitoid wasps lay their eggs inside insect hosts, eventually killing them. Trichogramma wasps are widely used to control crop pests.
- Pathogens: These are larger organisms that cause disease in pests, like certain protozoa.
3. Botanical Control
This involves using plant-derived compounds (biopesticides) to control pests. These compounds are often less toxic than synthetic pesticides.
- Neem: Neem oil, extracted from the neem tree, is a broad-spectrum insecticide, fungicide, and nematicide.
- Pyrethrum: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrum is a natural insecticide.
- Rotenone: A natural insecticide derived from the roots of several plants, though its use is restricted due to toxicity concerns.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Biological Control
| Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Reduced pesticide residues, less harm to non-target organisms, improved soil health. | Can be slower acting than chemical pesticides. |
| Resistance | Less likely to induce resistance in pests compared to chemical pesticides. | Potential for hyperparasitism (parasitoids attacking beneficial organisms). |
| Cost | Can be cost-effective in the long run, especially with mass production of biocontrol agents. | Initial setup costs (e.g., establishing predator populations) can be high. |
| Specificity | Often highly specific, minimizing impact on beneficial insects. | May not be effective against a wide range of pests. |
Recent Advancements & Challenges
Recent advancements include:
- Metagenomics: Identifying novel biocontrol agents from soil and plant microbiomes.
- Genetic Engineering: Developing genetically modified biocontrol agents with enhanced efficacy.
- Nanotechnology: Formulating biocontrol agents for improved delivery and persistence.
- Understanding Ecosystem Interactions: Recognizing the complexity of biological control and optimizing strategies based on ecological principles.
Challenges include:
- Mass Production: Developing cost-effective and scalable mass production techniques for biocontrol agents.
- Field Efficacy: Ensuring the survival and effectiveness of biocontrol agents under field conditions.
- Farmer Awareness: Increasing farmer awareness and adoption of biological control practices.
Government Initiatives & Farmer Role
The Indian government promotes biological control through various schemes:
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes IPM practices, including biological control.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic farming, which inherently relies on biological control.
- Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC): Provides training and technical support for IPM and biological control.
Farmers need to be educated about the benefits of biological control and provided with access to quality biocontrol agents.
Conclusion
Biological control offers a sustainable pathway towards reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. While challenges remain in terms of cost, efficacy, and farmer adoption, ongoing research and government support are paving the way for wider implementation. Integrating biological control practices with conventional farming methods through IPM is crucial for ensuring food security while safeguarding the environment and human health. A paradigm shift towards ecologically sound agricultural practices is essential for a resilient and sustainable future.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.