When is it biological control? A framework of definitions, mechanisms, and classifications

Abstract

Biological control, or biocontrol, is the exploitation of living agents (incl. viruses) to combat pestilential organisms (incl. pathogens, pests, and weeds) for diverse purposes to provide human benefits. Thus, during the last century the practices and concepts involved have evolved in separate streams associated with distinct scientific and taxonomic disciplines. In parallel developments, there have been increasing references to biological control in industrial contexts and legislation, resulting in conceptual and terminological disintegration. The aim of this paper is to provide a global conceptual and terminological platform that facilitates future development of the field. We review use of previously suggested terms in key fields (e.g., phytopathology, entomology, and weed science), eliminate redundant terminology, identify three principles that should underpin the concept, and then present a new framework for biological control, rooted in seminal publications. The three principles establish that (1) only living agents can mediate biological control, (2) biological control always targets a pest, directly or indirectly, and (3) all biocontrol methods can be classified in four main categories depending on whether resident agents are utilized, with or without targeted human intervention (conservation biological control and natural biological control, respectively) or agents are added for permanent or temporary establishment (classical biological control and augmentative biological control, respectively). Correct identification of what is, and is not, biological control can help efforts to understand and optimize biological pest control for human and environmental benefits. The new conceptual framework may contribute to more uniform and appropriate regulatory approaches to biological control, and more efficient authorization and application of biocontrol products.

Synthetic and Natural Insecticides: Gas, Liquid, Gel and Solid Formulations for Stored-Product and Food-Industry Pest Control

“…It has been proposed that naturally-based pest management approaches (methods, agents, compounds, etc.) should be aggregated under the general term “bioprotection” [ 595 ]. Bioprotection should be discriminated from biorational pest management since the latter may include low-toxicity (low-risk) or inert synthetic/unnatural compounds [ 237 ].…”

“…Bioprotection should be discriminated from biorational pest management since the latter may include low-toxicity (low-risk) or inert synthetic/unnatural compounds [ 237 ]. According to Stenberg [ 595 ], the so-called bioprotection umbrella encompasses two broad groups that include either non-living nature-based substances or living biocontrol agents. Apart from avoiding toxic residues, many bioprotection and biorational methods do not generally alter the chemical properties of the treated commodities.…”

Advances in Control Strategies against Spodoptera frugiperda. A Review

“…Biological control involves using organisms or their components in pest control. This strategy is based on the natural principle that many species feed, live, and reproduce at the expense of others whose populations are regulated by the first who arrive in the different ecosystems [ 48 ]; the term biological control is classified according to the mode of action or process involved as conservation biological control and inoculative or inundative biological control [ 49 ].…”

Reaping the Benefits of Microorganisms in Cropping Systems: Is the Regulatory Policy Adequate?

“…Agricultural systems harbor numerous microorganisms that repress pest populations without any human intervention (see e.g., [ 3 , 69 , 70 ]), a phenomenon referred to as ‘natural biological control’ [ 71 , 72 ]. In conservation biological control, active management aims to enhance the numbers and/or activity of such resident, pest-controlling organisms.…”