Micro-biologicals: Microbial Biocontrol Agents (MBCA) which includes bacteria, fungi, viruses and yeasts.Heterorhabditis bacteriophora( Nematop and Steinernema feltiae Nemaplus), predatory mites (e.g. Macro-biologicals: Invertebrate Biocontrol Agents (IBCA) which include beneficial nematodes (e.g.The IBMA categorises biocontrol products into the following:

There are an increasing number and diversity of biocontrol products commercially available. pheromone traps linked to action thresholds) and as a last resort selective chemical pesticide use. resistant plants), cultural techniques, physical barriers, pest/pathogen risk modelling, pest monitoring (incl. Biological control is a key component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable farming system alongside crop selection (incl. Whilst many biocontrol products can be used in organic production, their use is not limited to organics as they can be used in any cropping system. The IBMA ( International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association) defines biocontrol products as tools which originate from nature or are nature-identical when synthesised, generally have a low impact on human health and the environment and are used to manage pests, weeds and diseases.īiological control should not be confused with organic pest control, biocontrol products are not specific to organic farming. There are also other categories of biological inputs available to UK farmers including biological fertilizers and biostimulants. The term used can also vary depending on country, cropping system or marketing company with biological control products also referred to as biocontrol, biorational, bioprotection, biologics and biopesticides. There is no single agreed definition of biological control and its interpretation will vary depending on who is asked. A simple question to ask, but more complicated to answer.

Biocontrol agents for farmers