Plant health and biologicals for disease management

Added on 03 June 2024

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Plant health and biologicals for disease management

Biological control refers to the use of natural enemies to control pests and diseases. Biocontrol agents include predators and parasitoids (macroorganisms), as well as microorganisms (microbial biopesticides).

Biopesticides are “pesticides derived from natural materials,” according to the EPA, and are categorized according to the source or type of active component in the product. The biochemical pesticide group includes plant extracts like azadirachtin and minerals like potassium bicarbonate, while the microbial biopesticide group includes products based on living microbes, primarily fungi, bacteria and viruses.