Which of the following statements is correct regarding biocontrol methods for plant diseases and pests?
Statement I: Biocontrol involves the utilisation of biological approaches to manage plant diseases and pests.
Statement II: The adoption of biocontrol measures can significantly decrease our reliance on harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Both statements I and II are correct.
Statement I: Biocontrol involves the utilisation of biological approaches to manage plant diseases and pests. — True. This is the meaning of biocontrol: the use of biological methods (predators, parasites, microbes) to control plant diseases and pests. Examples are ladybirds against aphids, Bacillus thuringiensis against caterpillars and the fungus Trichoderma against plant pathogens.
Statement II: The adoption of biocontrol measures can significantly decrease our reliance on harmful chemicals and pesticides. — True. Insecticides, pesticides and weedicides are toxic and pollute soil, ground water and food. When living organisms keep pests in check, farmers need much less of these chemicals.
NCERT Extract:
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents – “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.”
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents – “… Thus, the use of biocontrol measures will greatly reduce our dependence on toxic chemicals and pesticides.”