Biological control of pests and diseases: integrating a diverse heritage
1990
Cate, J.R.
Biological control is an approach to pest and disease control which is distinct from other control practices in practice and concept. Its scientific base involves varied and diverse basic scientific disciplines which uniquely address the pest or disease and the natural enemy or antagonist interface. Biological control scientists focus specifically upon the natural enemy components of the biotic system which act as secondary or tertiary consumers. It is scientific endeavor which deals fundamentally with symbiotic relationships, particularly parasitism, predation, competition, amensalism, and antagonism. Biological control is practiced in some uniquely different ways by the various organismal disciplines. Examples of practices and definitions are discussed. Despite the differences that exist among disciplines in the practice of biological control, there are unifying concepts. These are; 1) the re-establishment and maintainance of homeostasis between populations, 2) utilization of symbiotic relationships which are manifested at the organismal level, 3) exploitation of self-sustaining, counteradaptive interactions which lead to permanent control, 4) attention to pest problems as part of holistic systems, and 5) utilization of the most advanced scientific technology. Biological control does have a legacy, a "way of thinking". This analysis established that the "old" concepts are as valid as ever. The challenge of today is to assure that technological tools of science are used to enhance the heritage of biological control: a self-perpetuating, safe, inexpensive, environmentally sound pest and disease suppression practice.
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