Biotic Agents as Key Mortality Factors in Integrated Control of Pests

Abstract

Abstract Pest control strategies based solely on the use of modern organic pesticides do not generally take into account the importance of various biotic agents, mainly parasites and predators, that play a key role in regulating pest populations and may themselves be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by broad spectrum toxic chemicals. The indiscriminate use of these pesticides may also create other ecological problems. The Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control has provided considerable information on the parasites and predators of a number of crop pests. A rational approach to pest control can be developed for most of the major pests, by the judicious combination of use of pesticides, suitable methods for the conservation of already existing natural enemies and the introduction of additional ones, wherever possible, from other areas. Cropping patterns and cultural practices have their own impact on parasites and predators of pests. Integrated control requires a sound scientific data base which covers not only information on the biology of the pests but also adequate knowledge of economic thresholds, natural enemies, pesticide toxicity to non-target organisms and other related aspects. Such basic data are at present not fully available for many crop/pest situations in India. The paper briefly discusses the importance of parasites and predators in relation to several other factors in the agro-ecosystem that require attention in developing integrated control programmes.