One of the major difficulties in the biological control of insect pes...
The major difficulty in the biological control of insect pests is that the predator does not always survive when transferred to a new environment. This means that even if a predator is introduced to a specific area to control a particular pest, there is no guarantee that it will be able to establish a population and effectively control the pest.
The answer to this question is option 'D', and the following points explain why this is the correct answer:
1. Introduction of predators: One of the challenges in biological control is successfully introducing the predator species to the target area. This process requires careful planning and consideration of various factors such as climate, habitat suitability, and availability of prey. If the predator is not able to adapt to the new environment or if the conditions are not favorable for its survival, it may not be able to establish a viable population.
2. Survival and reproduction: Even if the predator is successfully introduced, its survival and reproduction in the new environment can be challenging. The predator needs to be able to find sufficient prey to sustain itself and reproduce. If the prey population is low or if there are other factors limiting the availability of prey, the predator may struggle to survive and reproduce.
3. Competition and preference: Another difficulty in biological control is that the predator may face competition from other predators or may develop a preference for other diets. In some cases, the introduced predator may start feeding on non-target species or switch to alternative food sources, which can reduce its effectiveness in controlling the target pest.
4. Environmental factors: The success of biological control can also be affected by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and availability of suitable breeding sites. If these factors are not optimal for the predator, its survival and reproduction may be compromised.
5. Adverse effects: Additionally, there is always a risk of unintended adverse effects when introducing non-native predators to control pests. These predators may have negative impacts on native species or may become pests themselves if their populations grow unchecked.
In conclusion, the major difficulty in the biological control of insect pests is that the predator does not always survive when transferred to a new environment. This can be due to various factors such as unsuccessful introduction, competition, preference for other diets, and unfavorable environmental conditions. These challenges highlight the complexity and uncertainty associated with biological control methods.
One of the major difficulties in the biological control of insect pes...
Insect enemies play important role in nature for managing the phytophagous insect pests and keep a balance. It is just possible that predators of a particular plant pest are unable to get established and multiply in a particular environment. In such cases, the predators are reared in the laboratory and let off at a particular time when the pests are about to threaten the crops. And then this practice become expensive.
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