A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
Biological control, or biocontrol, is a method for managing pest populations and the damage they cause through the use of their natural enemies. The term “natural enemies” refers to organisms that provide suppression of pest populations and includes predators, parasitoids, pathogens, and competitors of the pest species. Effective biocontrol begins with an in-depth understanding of the biology and ecology of the pest species and the biocontrol agents being utilized. When this information is known, biocontrol can be a highly effective component of a larger integrated pest management (IPM) program. The primary types of biological control include classical, augmentation, and conservation.