Biological Control: Promising, but don't expect miracles

摘要

The use of biological agents to control weeds, fungi and insect and vertebrate pests has always enjoyed keen farmer and grower support. In most farming situations, best results are achieved where a mix of husbandry techniques (including agrichemicals)is used to control undesirable plants and other organisms. Management practices like rotationally grazing cattle ahead of sheep to reduce pasture parasite burdens, or burning orchard prunings and waste to reduce the carry-over of diseases and dormant insect pests from one season to the next, are well-established.