Biological Control and Pest Management

The speaker shares their journey into entomology and the importance of biological pest control. They explain how natural control phenomena have been used for over 120 years to manage pests using good bugs. Examples include predatory mites for spider mites, parasitic wasps for aphids, and minute pirate bugs for thrips. The speaker discusses mass production of these natural enemies and their impact on reducing pesticide use. They emphasize the need for more robust biological solutions, increased public demand, and grower awareness to bridge the gap between biological and chemical control methods.

What field did the speaker major in at university?

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Botany

• Zoology

What is the primary goal of biological pest control?

• To promote plant growth

• To eliminate all insects

• To reduce populations of harmful plant pests

• To increase the use of chemicals

How can one observe the phenomenon of natural control in their backyard?

• By using binoculars

• By using a magnifying glass

• By using a microscope

• By using a telescope

What type of organism is a predatory mite?

• An insect

• A fungus

• A plant

• A spider

What is the role of a parasitic wasp in biological control?

• It pollinates plants

• It acts as a predator

• It acts as a parasite

• It provides nutrients to plants

What is the main advantage of mass-producing natural enemies for pest control?

• It reduces crop yield

• It amplifies natural control

• It disrupts the natural balance

• It increases the use of pesticides

How many predatory mites are needed to control one acre of a strawberry plot?

• 40,000

• 80,000

• 20,000

• 10,000

What percentage of pesticides were reduced in Israeli strawberries using biological control?

• 50%

• 60%

• 75%

• 80%

What is a major concern for growers regarding chemical pest control?

• High cost

• Resistance development

• Lack of effectiveness

• Environmental benefits

What is the speaker's vision for the future of biological control?

• To eliminate all chemical pesticides

• To increase public demand and awareness

• To reduce the number of natural enemies

• To focus solely on chemical methods