Answer :

Final answer:

Biological pest control is integral to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as it uses natural predator-prey relationships to manage pest populations in an eco-friendly manner, thereby aligning with IPM's goal of reducing synthetic pesticide reliance and maintaining ecological balance.

Explanation:

Biological pest control is a crucial component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a strategy that emphasizes eco-friendly pest control practices to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides. Biological control involves leveraging natural predator-prey relationships to maintain pest populations at manageable levels without completely eradicating them. For instance, introducing predacious insects like ladybugs to control aphids is a biocontrol practice that helps restore the natural pest-predator balance in agricultural ecosystems, aligning with the overall goals of IPM. By strategically incorporating biological control methods, IPM aims to manage pests economically without incurring significant harm to the environment, humans, or beneficial organisms.

Biological control has seen a significant rise in acceptance and commercial use, with beneficial organisms now being mainstreamed into major agricultural crops. Successful examples of biocontrol techniques include the use of parasitic wasps, Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria, and specific fungi, all aimed to suppress pest populations while minimizing chemical usage. These biocontrol tools have shown effectiveness in controlling insect populations and resistance, thereby helping to protect ecosystems and reduce costs associated with pest management. As a part of IPM, biological control offers a sustainable, long-term approach to pest management, complementing other tactics such as chemical, cultural, and mechanical methods where necessary.

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