Plants have always been able to count on the invaluable help of various insects to control pests, thus being able to stay alive without having to expend extra energy for it.
Today we people who grow plants can benefit a lot from them, but What exactly is biological control?
The biological fight consists of using beneficial insects and microorganisms to feed on pests that affect plants, such as the following:
Ladybugs
They are round beetles that love to eat aphids; in fact, this is a habit that they begin to have even as larvae. So do not hesitate: take all you can, put them in a box and go depositing them on the plants that are most often affected by this pest such as roses.
Praying Mantis
The Praying Mantis is an insect that is usually feared, but it really is one of the best allies we can find since feeds also on aphids. For this reason, every time you see one, take it - with the help of a stick for example - and place it on a plant that has aphids.
Fungus beauveria bassiana
It is a fungus found in a palm grove in Elche (Alicante, Spain) capable of reducing the red weevil population found in a palm tree, thus strengthening the plant's defense system. Although it is used more as a preventive and not as a curative, it is a very interesting remedy that will allow us to reduce the use of chemicals.
Palm tree nematodes
Image - Elnortedecastilla.es
They are tiny worms, visible only through the microscope, capable of reducing and even eliminating the larvae and adult specimens of the red weevil.. In addition, it can be used both as a preventive and as a curative, which is undoubtedly very interesting, especially if we have a lot of palm trees and we want to save a little money.
What did you think of this topic? Do you know other insects or microorganisms that control pests?