What does biological control in pest management involve?

Biological control in pest management specifically involves the use of living organisms, such as predators, parasites, and pathogens, to reduce pest populations. This approach leverages natural relationships in the ecosystem, where certain species can help mitigate the effects of pest species without the need for synthetic chemicals. For example, ladybugs are often used to control aphid populations, and parasitic wasps can target caterpillars.

This method is sustainable and environmentally friendly, aligning with integrated pest management principles that emphasize reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Utilizing biological control can lead to more balanced ecosystems and can help to prevent the development of pest resistance that often occurs with repeated use of chemical pesticides.

The other options all describe different pest management strategies but do not fit the definition of biological control. Chemical pesticides rely on synthetic products to manage pests, mechanical traps catch pests physically without involving biological agents, and genetically modified organisms aim to enhance plant resistance to pests rather than directly using natural predation or parasitism.