Which is an example of a biological control agent?

Which is an example of a biological control agent?

• A. Lady Beetles
• B. Insecticidal Soap
• C. Pheromone Trap
• D. Pyrethroid Insecticide

Answer: (A)

Biological control means using living organisms to reduce pest populations. Lady beetles are classic examples because they are natural predators of many soft-bodied pests like aphids. By feeding on these pests, they help keep pest numbers down in greenhouses without relying on chemical sprays, and they can continue providing control over time as they reproduce and establish themselves in the crop environment. Insecticidal soap and pyrethroid insecticides are chemical controls, not biological agents. A pheromone trap uses synthetic pheromones to lure pests for monitoring or trapping, which is a behavioral management tool rather than introducing a living enemy. So, the best example of a biological control agent is the lady beetle.

Biological control means using living organisms to reduce pest populations. Lady beetles are classic examples because they are natural predators of many soft-bodied pests like aphids. By feeding on these pests, they help keep pest numbers down in greenhouses without relying on chemical sprays, and they can continue providing control over time as they reproduce and establish themselves in the crop environment.

Insecticidal soap and pyrethroid insecticides are chemical controls, not biological agents. A pheromone trap uses synthetic pheromones to lure pests for monitoring or trapping, which is a behavioral management tool rather than introducing a living enemy. So, the best example of a biological control agent is the lady beetle.