Read the following statements:
Statement 1 :-In agriculture, there is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals.
Statement 2 :- Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests.

Both the statements are correct.

The correct answer is Option (1) - Both the statements are correct.

Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. In modern society, these problems have been tackled increasingly by the use of chemicals – by use of insecticides and pesticides. These chemicals are toxic and extremely harmful, to human beings and animals alike, and have been polluting our environment (soil, ground water), fruits, vegetables and crop plants. Our soil is also polluted through our use of weedicides to remove weeds.

In agriculture, there is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals. The organic farmer holds the view that the eradication of the creatures that are often described as pests is not only possible, but also undesirable, for without them the beneficial predatory and parasitic insects which depend upon them as food or hosts would not be able to survive. Thus, the use of biocontrol measures will greatly reduce our dependence on toxic chemicals and pesticides. An important part of the biological farming approach is to become familiar with the various life forms that inhabit the field, predators as well as pests, and also their life cycles, patterns of feeding and the habitats that they prefer. This will help develop appropriate means of biocontrol.