Overview:
- What is biocontrol?
- What is the link between biocontrol and biodiversity?
- Types of biocontrol methods
- Benefits of biocontrol on biodiversity
- Biocontrol in action: agriculture and private gardens
- Why protecting biodiversity matters
Agriculture and biodiversity are deeply interconnected. Agricultural landscapes are habitats for a variety of living things: pollinators, plants, soil microorganisms and more. Biodiversity and its components promote the functioning of key services essential to agricultural systems, such as controlling pests, pollination of plants and soil fertility.
Biocontrol, the use of natural organisms and their derivatives to manage pests, is a powerful way to protect crops while preserving the local biodiversity and the services and benefits it provides. Whether you’re a large-scale grower or a gardener, using biocontrol can significantly reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, ultimately protecting and promoting biodiversity.
What is biocontrol?
Biocontrol is the use of natural organisms to control pest populations. In this article, we discuss two types of biocontrol:
- Augmentative biocontrol, which is the release of beneficial organisms such as predatory mites and insects, as well as the use of biopesticides, (microbial products, oils, soaps, etc.)
- Conservation biocontrol, which involves habitat management to support existing beneficial organisms.
Biocontrol offers many benefits, including being safer for the environment and wildlife.
What is the link between biocontrol and biodiversity?
Agricultural systems with rich biodiversity are more stable and resilient to disturbances like pest attacks or weather events. However, the diversity of species and the interaction between them decrease with the intensification of agricultural practices, such as chemical inputs and mechanization.
Biocontrol as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity. It reduces the harm to the naturally occurring beneficial insects, pollinators and soil organisms, and diversifies the landscape.
As a result, plants are better protected and can also grow better, which reduces the need for and use of external inputs like pesticides and fertilizers.
Types of biocontrol methods
There are biocontrol methods that can both protect crops from pests and preserve biodiversity.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides are derived from naturally occurring organisms and materials such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and plant extracts. At the CABI BioProtection Portal, we recognize three types of biopesticides: microbials, natural substances and semiochemicals. These products typically break down quickly and are safer for both beneficial insects and humans.
Invertebrate biocontrol agents
Invertebrate biocontrol agents are living organisms such as predatory mites and insects, nematodes, and parasitoids. They control pest populations through predation or parasitism.
Habitat management
Habitat management is a conservation biocontrol method that can encourage biodiversity. It involves, for example, planting certain plants together to naturally deter pests or attract predators, or installing hedgerows to provide habitat and food sources for native beneficial insects.
Benefits of biocontrol on biodiversity
How biocontrol helps preserve pollinators
Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are essential for many crops, but they are also among the most affected by chemical pesticides. Biocontrol and biopesticide products often have the advantage of being more specific to one or a few specific pests and therefore are less likely to harm pollinators directly. In addition, providing shelters and food, through hedgerows for example, can allow pollinators to thrive alongside agricultural fields.
Promotion of soil microbial life
Soil microbes are as important as pollinators for crops, as they support plant growth and nutrient cycling. Harsh agricultural practices can harm these microorganisms, disturb their balance, and decrease overall soil fertility.
As with pollinators, biocontrol products are safer for these microbes, often originating themselves from similar habitats, thereby helping to protect soil biodiversity. This leads to more fertile and resilient land.
- Read our blog ‘Soil health: Why it is important and how to protect it’ for more information
Reduction of runoff
After application, biopesticides in the environment degrade faster than chemical pesticides, which reduces runoff into aquatic systems. Reduced runoff means that there is less risk of contamination of water bodies, preserving their biodiversity.
Biocontrol in action: agriculture and private gardens
Biocontrol can be adapted to large-scale open fields, greenhouse environments, and even small private gardens, making it accessible and effective across a range of growing contexts.
Biocontrol in open fields and greenhouses
Growers are increasingly adopting biocontrol strategies. In greenhouse systems, the controlled environment allows for the precise application of biological plant protection products, making biocontrol a highly effective solution.
In open fields, biocontrol can be just as effective. However, because biological products tend to persist for less time than their chemical counterparts, the timing of application is crucial. Growers must monitor pest populations closely and ensure that environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) are optimal for application.
Read about successful applications of bioprotection products in the following blogs:
Biocontrol for gardeners
Biocontrol and biopesticide products are also available to amateur gardeners, offering a way to protect home gardens from pests without harming local wildlife (and pets). Online retailers or garden stores offer a variety of biological products, such as neem oils, microbial biopesticides, and even beneficial insects like ladybird larvae.
Conservation biocontrol is also easy to implement at home. For example, marigold plants and basil planted alongside tomatoes can effectively reduce thrips populations and even improve tomato growth. Planting a variety of local wildflowers is another way to maintain and increase populations of beneficial insects.
- Read our blog ‘How to promote biodiversity in domestic gardens’ for more tips
Challenges and considerations
Biocontrol is a powerful tool however it works best as part of an Integrated Pest Management programme that combines cultural, mechanical and biological control, with minimal chemical interventions.
Discussions with local extension services, advisors, or biocontrol suppliers can help you make informed decisions. The CABI BioProtection Portal can also assist you in finding registered biological products available in your country.
Why protecting biodiversity matters
Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, including agricultural ones. When biodiversity thrives, farming systems become more resilient, productive, and adaptive. This is especially important now in the face of challenges like climate change.
As these systems become more diverse, their natural pest control mechanisms grow stronger, creating a positive feedback loop that supports long-term sustainability.
Whether you’re cultivating a backyard garden or managing a farm, integrating biocontrol means investing in the long-term health of your land. It contributes to cleaner air and water, healthier soil, and richer pollinator populations.
