biological control

biological control
the control of pests by interference with their ecological status, as by introducing a natural enemy or a pathogen into the environment. Also called biocontrol.
[1920-25]

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▪ pest control
      the use of living organisms to control pests. A natural enemy such as a parasite, predator, or disease organism is introduced into the environment of a pest or, if already present, is encouraged to multiply and become more effective in reducing the number of pest organisms. Examples of biological control include the destruction of the citrophilus mealybug in California by two parasitic species of chalcid wasps imported from Australia, Coccophagus gurneyi and Tetracnemus pretiosus; the effective predation of an Australian ladybird beetle, or vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis), on the cottony cushion scale in California; the limiting of the proliferation of the European rabbit in Australia by introduction of myxoma virus (which causes the disease myxomatosis); the control of Japanese beetles (Japanese beetle) by Bacillus popilliae, which causes milky disease; and the control of various larvae that attack food crops in home gardens by Bacillus thuringiensis.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • biological control — ☆ biological control n. the control of destructive organisms, esp. insects, by various, usually nonchemical means, as by the use of natural predators …   English World dictionary

  • biological control — n reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases) …   Medical dictionary

  • biological control — /baɪəˌlɒdʒɪkəl kənˈtroʊl/ (say buyuh.lojikuhl kuhn trohl) noun a method of controlling pests by introducing one of their natural enemies. Also, biocontrol. Natural enemies used in biological control include predators, parasites and pathogens.… …  

  • biological control — noun : attack upon noxious organisms (as insects) by interference with their ecological adjustment (as by the introduction of parasites not previously present) * * * noun, pl ⋯ trols 1 [noncount] : a method of controlling harmful insects,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • biological control — noun Date: 1921 1. the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases) 2. an agent used in biological control …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • biological control — biologinė kontrolė statusas T sritis ekologija ir aplinkotyra apibrėžtis Biologinių priemonių – įvairių gyvųjų organizmų – naudojimas siekiant sunaikinti žemės ūkio kultūrų ligų sukėlėjus arba kontroliuoti jų plitimą. atitikmenys: angl.… …   Ekologijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

  • biological control — biological con trol noun uncount a method of reducing the number of harmful insects by using other insects or small animals that feed on them …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • biological control — The use of living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or insects to control harmful weeds or insects which infest crops; this type of control excludes the use of chemical substances and relies mainly on natural sources …   Combined glossary of agriculture

  • biological control — biolog′ical control′ n. bio phl the control of pests by interference with their ecological status, as by introducing a natural enemy or a pathogen into the environment Also called biocontrol • Etymology: 1920–25 …   From formal English to slang

  • biological control — noun control of pests using natural predators, parasites, pathogens, or other organism(s) that harm the pest species …   Wiktionary

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