Overcoming common barriers to biocontrol

Biological control, or biocontrol, is an increasingly popular approach to controlling greenhouse pests. Using beneficial pathogens, predators and parasitoids/parasites provides an alternative to conventional chemical control and can serve as an effective component to a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) program.

There's no doubt that there is excitement surrounding biocontrol right now. But for some, this approach to pest control can be intimidating. Specifically, the two broad reasons why biocontrol is perceived as being a challenge to implement are: knowledge and economics.

This article is going to break down why these perceptions may exist and provide some insight into how to approach them.

Relationship fundamentals

Learning the relationship between pests and the biocontrols that can be used to control them is the backbone of any biocontrol program.

The first essential step is to correctly identify your target pest(s). A good hand lens or simple microscope and online or printed identification resources, combined with a little time and practice, will help overcome this first hurdle.

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Source: Greenhouse Management