Biological control methods adopted in agriculture pest control based on the

Options

A. predator-prey interatction
B. prey feeding habitat
C. prey interaction with other preys
D. predator-predator interaction

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Biological Control**: Biological control methods are strategies used to manage agricultural pests by utilizing natural predators or parasites instead of chemical pesticides. This approach aims to reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals, which can have harmful effects on the environment and human health.

2. **Identifying Pests**: In agriculture, pests are organisms that cause damage to crops. Common examples include insects like aphids, locusts, and caterpillars. These pests feed on crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses for farmers.

3. **Predator-Prey Interaction**: One of the primary biological control methods involves the use of predator-prey interactions. In this scenario, a predator (an organism that hunts and feeds on another organism) is introduced to control the population of a pest (the prey).

4. **Examples of Biological Control**:
- **Aphids and Beetles**: Aphids are known pests that damage crops. To control their population, farmers can introduce lady beetles (also known as ladybugs), which feed on aphids. By increasing the number of beetles, the aphid population can be kept in check, thus protecting the crops.
- **Locusts and Meena Birds**: In Mauritius, an outbreak of locusts, which are destructive to crops, was controlled by introducing the meena bird from India. The meena bird preys on locusts, effectively reducing their numbers and protecting the crops.

5. **Conclusion**: The biological control method based on predator-prey interaction is effective in managing agricultural pests. By introducing natural predators, farmers can maintain pest populations at manageable levels without the need for chemical pesticides.