The Works of Biocontrol Protection
The Works of Biocontrol Protection
Biocontrol products use natural organisms to manage pests, diseases, and weeds in agriculture. Unlike chemical pesticides, they are eco-friendly and target specific harmful organisms while preserving environmental and beneficial species’ health. These products promote biodiversity and support resilient agricultural ecosystems by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Their various actions benefit plants in numerous ways.
Predation and Parasitism
This involves using natural predators and parasites to control pest populations. Some biocontrol agents, such as predatory insects (e.g., ladybugs, or parasitic wasps), target and consume harmful pests. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft-bodied pests, while parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside pest hosts, ultimately killing them. This direct intervention not only reduces harmful pest numbers but also prevents future outbreaks without disturbing the surrounding beneficial organisms.
Competition
When beneficial microbes, fungi, or bacteria are added to the environment, they can outcompete harmful pathogens for resources and living space. By occupying the same ecological niches, these beneficial organisms deprive pathogens of resources such as nutrients and living space, effectively preventing their establishment and spread. This competitive exclusion strengthens the health of the soil and promotes a balanced ecosystem that is less susceptible to diseases.
Antagonism
Antagonism occurs when certain beneficial organisms produce chemicals or substances that suppress the growth of harmful pests and pathogens. For example, some bacteria can secrete antibiotics that inhibit the growth of harmful fungi or bacteria in the soil. This mechanism naturally controls pest populations and reduces the need for synthetic chemicals, thus protecting plant health and maintaining soil integrity.
Induced Systemic Resistance
Biocontrol products stimulate a plant’s natural defense mechanisms which makes them more resistant to diseases or pests. When exposed to biocontrol organisms, plants activate their immune responses, making them more robust in the face of threats. This induced resistance provides a long-term protective benefit, reducing the plant’s vulnerability to future infections and improving overall resilience.
Biocontrol products offer several sustainability and environmental benefits by promoting safer and eco-friendly agricultural practices. One of the key advantages is the reduction in chemical inputs, as biocontrol minimizes the need for synthetic pesticides that leads to cleaner farming methods. In addition, biocontrol agents are highly targeted, focusing only on harmful pests while preserving beneficial organisms, which supports biodiversity and strengthens ecosystems. Lastly, biocontrol methods are environmentally safe, with minimal risk of harmful accumulation, which makes them a more sustainable option for long-term ecological health compared to traditional chemical pesticides.
At NutriHydro, we aim to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals by integrating biocontrol products like SUBAMO and BEBASS into farming techniques to support biodiversity and minimize environmental harm.
References:
Wang, Z., Liu, Y., Shi, M., Huang, J., & Chen, X. (2019). Parasitoid wasps as effective biological control agents. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 18(4), 705–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2095-3119(18)62078-7
Bouvet, J. P. R., Urbaneja, A., Pérez‐Hedo, M., & Monzó, C. (2019). Contribution of predation to the biological control of a key herbivorous pest in citrus agroecosystems. Journal of Animal Ecology, 88(6), 915–926. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12982
Roca-Couso, R., Flores-Félix, J. D., & Rivas, R. (2021). Mechanisms of Action of Microbial Biocontrol Agents against Botrytis cinerea. Journal of Fungi, 7(12), 1045. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7121045
Llorens, E., & Agustí-Brisach, C. (2022). Biocontrol of plant diseases by means of antagonist microorganisms, biostimulants and induced resistance as alternatives to chemicals. Plants, 11(24), 3521. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243521
Author
Honey Joyce Daz
Honey Joyce Daz
NutriHydro is a manufacturer of plant nutrients based in the Philippines. They are known to grow the healthiest, heaviest, and largest lettuce in the country. NutriHydro products are available to purchase from the following e-commerce platforms.
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