MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is an example of biological control?

1. Applying pesticides to eliminate weeds

2. Releasing sterile pests to reduce reproduction

3. Using fertilizers to boost plant immunity

4. Implementing insecticide sprays

The correct answer is: Releasing sterile pests to reduce reproduction

Releasing sterile pests to reduce reproduction is an example of biological control because it involves using a natural method to manage pest populations. This approach aims to minimize the impact of pests on crops or ecosystems by disrupting their breeding capacity. When sterile pests are released into an area, they mate with the wild population but produce no offspring, leading to a gradual decline in the pest population over time. Biological control strategies often leverage the natural relationships within ecosystems, including predation, parasitism, or competition, rather than relying solely on chemical methods. This is beneficial for environmentally sustainable agriculture, as it tends to have fewer negative impacts on non-target species and promotes biodiversity. In contrast, other options focus on chemical methods or interventions that might not harness natural ecological processes. For instance, applying pesticides to eliminate weeds or using insecticide sprays are both chemical approaches intended to control unwanted plants or insects directly. Similarly, using fertilizers to boost plant immunity does not fall under biological control, as it enhances plant growth rather than addressing an existing pest population through natural means.