Biological control is the use of living organisms to control pests. Biological controls may be predators, parasites, parasitoids, pathogens or naturally competitive organisms and these may be, insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc. Some pests that are controlled with the use of biologicals include plant pathogens, insects, nematodes and weeds.

In the landscape or home garden the simplest method of implementing biological control is to promote a diversity of organisms that are naturally antagonistic or competitive toward pests. For example adding organic matter to the soil promotes a diverse population of microbes, some of which may hinder pest development. Likewise, in the landscape, planting a diversity of flowering plants may foster a diverse population of insects that will deter plant pests. However, field crop producers, greenhouse growers and other commercial agricultural producers typically use specific biological controls to control specific pests.

Biological controls are typically very safe to use and pose little risk to the environment. Biological controls typically target a specific pest, rather than a broad range of pests. Using biological controls usually involves careful planning and management.

For more information on biological control see:

• The Biological Control Virtual Information Center , is part of the National IPM Network and is maintained by the NSF Center for Integrated Pest Management and the Consortium for International Crop Protection .
• Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America , Cornell University

• McSpadden Gardener, B. B., and Fravel, D. R. 2002. Biological control of plant pathogens: Research, commercialization, and application in the USA . Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2002-0510-01-RV.

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