Biokontrolli

Biokontrolli, or biological control, refers to pest management that relies on living organisms or their natural products to suppress pest populations to tolerable levels. It is a central component of integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture in Finland and worldwide.

There are three main approaches: classical (imported natural enemies to establish long-term control), augmentation (releasing additional beneficial organisms as needed), and conservation (creating conditions that support existing natural enemies). Microbial biological control uses bacteria, fungi, or viruses that target pests.

Common agents include parasitoid wasps (e.g., Trichogramma), predators (lady beetles, lacewings), entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana), bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), and nematodes (Steinernema, Heterorhabditis).

Applications include horticulture, greenhouse crops, field crops, and storage pests. Biokontrolli can reduce the use of chemical pesticides, provide targeted action against specific pests, and contribute to sustainable production and resistance management.

Limitations and regulation: effectiveness can be variable and strongly influenced by weather and pest biology; it may take longer to achieve control compared with chemicals; non-target effects are typically low but require consideration and risk assessment. Importing or introducing biological control agents often requires regulatory approvals, quality control, and ongoing monitoring. In many regions, including Finland and the European Union, biokontrolli is promoted as part of sustainable agriculture, supported by research institutions, extension services, and regulatory frameworks.