Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Ladybird and Dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes. Trichoderma fungus are effective bio control agents of several plant pathogens.

Statement II: The biological control of plant diseases and pest can control increasing use of insecticides and pesticides, thus saving our environment from being getting polluted.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct

The correct answer is Option (1) - Both Statement I and Statement II 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 very familiar beetle with red and black markings – the Ladybird, and Dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes, respectively.Trichoderma species are free-living fungi that are very common in the root ecosystems. They are effective biocontrol agents of several plant pathogens.

Biological control methods are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They help maintain ecological balance and reduce the negative impacts associated with chemical pesticide use. By adopting biological control, the agricultural sector can contribute to a healthier environment while still effectively managing pests and diseases.