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Describe the main ideas behind the biological control of pests and diseases.

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Biological control of pests and diseases is based on the interdependency among various components of an ecosystem. This approach is also based on the acknowledgement of potential harm caused by chemical control of pests and diseases.

Checks and Balances in the Ecosystem: In any given ecosystem; various organisms are dependent on each other and on abiotic factors. Pests are also part of the ecosystem. They turn problematic for farmers only when their population goes beyond a certain level. If the system of natural check and balances can be understood, then it would be pretty easy for farmers to control the pests without harming useful insects.

Drawbacks of Chemical Control: Synthetic pesticides are highly effective in pest control, but their use leads to collateral damage. Many useful insects are killed in the process. This problem can be removed by using biological control.

Minimising Pollution: Use of pesticides has another drawback, i.e. creating soil pollution and groundwater pollution. If biological control is applied, then chances of soil pollution and groundwater pollution can be minimised.

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Gurleen Kaur

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