The control of pests and diseases by making use of their natural enemies or by artificially upsetting their life cycle. For example, the moth Cactoblastis cactorum has been used in Australia to help control the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia vulgaris). The caterpillars bore into the pads of the cactus, severely affecting its growth. Experiments have been conducted on controlling water weeds, such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia), by spraying them with disease spores. Populations of damping-off fungi in the soil can be reduced by the addition of organic supplements to encourage the growth of antagonistic saprophytic microorganisms. See also chemosterilant , trap crop. |
