What does "biological control" refer to in pest management?

Biological control in pest management refers specifically to the strategy of using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to reduce pest populations. This method leverages the existing ecological relationships within the environment, utilizing organisms that naturally prey on or infect pests, thereby maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.

Such an approach is often considered more sustainable than chemical methods, as it tends to have a lower environmental impact and reduces the likelihood of pests developing resistance to control methods. By employing natural enemies, biological control can contribute to long-term pest management solutions without the adverse effects associated with synthetic chemicals.

While options mentioning synthetic pesticides, crop rotation, and chemical fertilizers are important aspects of integrated pest management and agricultural practices, they do not align with the definition of biological control, which specifically focuses on the use of living organisms to combat pest populations.