Biological Control Techniques

predators, pathogens, parasites

Example= prickly pear cactus brought into Australia from SW US

spread easily because of asexual reproduction and spines to be carried by

cactoblastis caterpillars brought in to eat out their center and they are eliminated

Example= large rabbit population in Australia

myxomatosis virus introduced and the rabbit population is diminished

release of sterile male insects

these have equal mating success as normal males

use of chemical sterilants

release of incompatible pest strains

pheromones (sex hormones)

behavioral chemicals

Example= put out stations that frequently emit lots of female scent so that the males cannot pinpoint females to mate with

Example= bag-a-bug, which emits sexually attractive scent to lure the malle in, and then captures the male

used to control Japanese beetle pest