Question

Statement 1: Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling diseases and pests.
Statement 2: Use of biocontrol measures will greatly reduce our dependence on toxic chemicals and pesticides.

A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
B. Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect.
C. Statement 1 is incorrect but statement 2 is correct.
D. Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Answer 1

Hint: One of the major factors other than climatic condition, soil type, etc. that affects the yield of crops in pest infestation. These pests include insects, birds and other animals. They usually eat away the crop portions, making it invaluable. This can be prevented through different biological and chemical pest control methods.

Complete answer:
Bio-control, also known as biological control, is defined as the methods used in the elimination of undesirable pests such as birds, insects such as mites, other plants such as weeds and animals. This is an eco-friendly method for pest control and does not cause harm to the environment. Predators are defined as the natural enemies of undesirable insect pests. These predators are also known as pathogens, parasitoids, and competitors. These function by eliminating natural pests. Antagonists are defined as the biological control agents of plant disease. Plant pathogens, herbivores and seed predators are biological control agents used against weeds.

Bio-control has three basic strategies:
-Classical or Importation technique: This method involves the introduction of a natural enemy of the pest to achieve control against the pest.
-Inductive or Augmentation method: This method includes quick pest control through the introduction of a very large population of natural predators.
-Inoculative or Conservation method: This method involves the control of pests by maintaining natural predators through reestablishment.

 One example of biological pest control is the introduction of parasitic wasps to control aphids. Aphids are pests that attack plants. They cause damage to plants and waste away their nutritional value. The parasitic wasps lay eggs in the aphids. When the larvae emerge and start to grow, the aphids die. This controls and reduces the aphid’s population. Another method of pest control is the chemical pest control method. This involves chemicals that have an improved effect on pests and eliminates the pest effectively. This method is considered more effective than biological pest control methods but isn’t preferred as much as it could cause harm to the environment.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Bio-control is considered an important component of IPM programs. IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management program.