Biocontrol can be termed as the use of living organizms, for example pathogens or insects, for controlling pest populaces. It levels the field by reintroducing some natural enemies that come good in controlling the invasive species in its native range.
The purpose of biocontrol or biocontrol agents is not to eliminate the invasive species, but control it in such a way that it is manageable. It can also be said that, the method makes use of nature’s own mechanisms for ensuring equilibrium.
Safety of the Crops
It’s significant that control agents do not attack other native insects and plants. A biocontrol agent is only intended for field release in the invaded range after rigorous research and safety testing to guarantee it’s precise to the pest or plant which requires to be controlled.
What is the Need for Biocontrol?
Growing trade and travel amid nations has augmented the count of plants and other non-native species arriving in novel nations. Most of them come without the natural enemies keeping them in check in their native range. If we talk about plants, nearly all the fungal pathogens, insects, or nematodes that would inflict damage on them are lost, providing the plant an unfair benefit over its novel neighbours.
It is a Sustainable Alternative
As a natural technique, biocontrol doesn’t need the usage of chemicals and machinery having a negative influence on the environment. It is also economically effective and maintainable, as once self-replicating natural enemies are established, they should offer control without additional cost or intervention.
What are the Advantages of Biocontrol Agents?
They are Beneficial for the Environment
Bio control is natural and doesn’t depend on on the usage of man-made chemicals that can unfavourably influence an ecosystem. It also lets the number of weedkillers needed for weed control to be decreased, instead they depend on the natural microbes as bio-control agents.
Cost is Also Kept in Check
Post the initial cost of research, once the agents are recognized and having an influence on the weed the only additional spending needed would be that used for monitoring actions.
It is a Rather Sustainable Option
It is a permanent option and is totally sustainable. The weed is recurrently attacked from natural enemies
Spread of the Control Agents
The control agents, pathogens, insects find and affect most if not all the weed until they are evaded by physical, ecological or chemical barriers, just as they would in their range.
They are an Utterly Safe Option for Humans
Biocontrol agents have no threat for the health of the humans, the production of crops or beneficial organisms.
Landscape can be Kept Intact
While the biocontrol agents are doing their job, previously out-competed innate species can progressively recuperate and recolonize areas deprived of the requirement for widespread replanting.
Concluding the Scene
It is because of the increasing use of biological products over chemical-based crop protection products, the demand for biocontrol agents is on the rise. The total value will reach USD 13,634.3 million by the end of this decade.
