Biological control, also known as biocontrol, is a method of controlling pests, diseases, and weeds in agriculture using living organisms, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens.
It involves the use of natural enemies to reduce the population of harmful organisms below economically damaging levels, thereby minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides.
Similar terms: biocontrol agents, natural enemies, beneficial organisms, predators, parasitoids, entomopathogens, microbial pesticides, biopesticides, integrated pest management, ecological pest management
So, what exactly is Biological control?
Biological control is a sustainable approach to managing pests and diseases in agriculture by harnessing the power of natural enemies.
It is based on the principle that in nature, populations of organisms are regulated by their predators, parasites, and pathogens. By identifying, selecting, and releasing these natural enemies into the agricultural ecosystem, farmers can effectively suppress the populations of harmful pests and diseases, reducing crop damage and yield losses.
Biological control can be achieved through three main approaches:
- classical biocontrol (introducing exotic natural enemies),
- augmentative biocontrol (releasing mass-reared natural enemies), and
- conservation biocontrol (enhancing the populations of native natural enemies).
Importance of Biological control in Kenyan Agriculture
Biological control is an important component of sustainable pest and disease management in Kenyan agriculture.
The overuse and misuse of chemical pesticides in Kenya have led to various problems, such as pest resistance, secondary pest outbreaks, environmental contamination, and human health risks.
By adopting biological control strategies, Kenyan farmers can reduce their reliance on pesticides, minimize the negative impacts of pest control on the environment and human health, and improve the long-term sustainability and profitability of their farming systems.
Biological control also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.
Types of Biological control agents used in Kenya
Several types of biological control agents are used in Kenyan agriculture:
- Predators: These are organisms that feed on pests, such as ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), lacewings (Chrysopidae), and predatory mites (Phytoseiidae).
- Parasitoids: These are insects that lay their eggs inside or on the bodies of pests, and their larvae feed on and kill the host. Examples include parasitic wasps (Braconidae and Ichneumonidae) and flies (Tachinidae).
- Entomopathogens: These are microorganisms that cause diseases in insects, such as fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae), bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis), and viruses (e.g., baculoviruses).
- Weed biocontrol agents: These are organisms that feed on or cause diseases in weeds, such as the water hyacinth weevil (Neochetina eichhorniae) and the parthenium beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata).
Benefits of Biological control in Kenyan Agriculture
Adopting biological control practices in Kenyan agriculture offers several benefits:
- Reduced pesticide use: Biological control minimizes the reliance on chemical pesticides, reducing the associated environmental and health risks.
- Improved crop health: By promoting the use of natural enemies, biological control helps maintain a balanced agroecosystem and reduces the likelihood of pest and disease outbreaks.
- Sustainable pest management: Biological control provides a long-term, self-sustaining solution to pest and disease problems, as natural enemies can establish and spread in the agricultural landscape.
- Compatibility with other IPM strategies: Biological control can be easily integrated with other IPM practices, such as cultural control and host plant resistance, for a more comprehensive and effective pest management approach.
- Biodiversity conservation: By reducing the use of broad-spectrum pesticides, biological control contributes to the conservation of beneficial insects and other non-target organisms in the agroecosystem.
Challenges in Implementing Biological control in Kenya
Despite the benefits, the adoption of biological control in Kenya faces several challenges:
- Limited availability of biocontrol agents: The production and distribution of biocontrol agents in Kenya are still limited, making it difficult for farmers to access these products.
- Knowledge and skill gaps: Many farmers and extension agents lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement biological control strategies
