Biological control of arthropods and its application in vineyards

Abstract

Biological control has been defined as: The action of parasites, predators or pathogens in maintaining another organisms population density at a lower average than would occur in their absence (De Bach 1964). Therefore, successful biological control of arthropod pests relies on the presence and viability of effective predators, parasitoids and/or entomopathogens in sufficient numbers and at critical seasonal periods to provide population regulation.