Conservation Biological Control
Using Native Plants to Support Beneficial Insects
The term, “conservation biological control,” refers to the preservation or enhancement of natural enemy populations, usually for the purpose of controlling pests in agricultural fields. These natural enemies may include insect predators (i.e. ladybugs, spiders), parasitoids, and weed seed predators.
Native plants may be used to enhance populations of beneficial insects by providing food resources and shelter. By encouraging populations of beneficial insects, it may be possible to reduce pest populations and, consequently, the amount of pesticides that are applied to crops.