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ARS Home Northeast Area Docs Biocontrol 4 Kids







Biocontrol FAQs for Kids *How Biocontrol Works* Biocontrol agents can work several waysWhen the biocontrol agent grows faster, or uses its food source better, it crowds the pathogen out and takes over. The pathogens don't stand a chance!Cartoon, octopus with many babiesReproducing faster crowds out the pathogens!When a biocontrol agent makes some product that slows down or kills the pathogen that gets close to it, it is called antibiosisPhoto, petrie dish with biocontrol agent on right stopping pathogen from growing on leftThe BCA on the right battles the pathogen on the leftWhen a biocontrol agent causes a plant to make a product that discourages or kills the pathogen, it is called induced resistance. The plant actually fights back.Cartoon, animated plant with snapping teethA plant with "induced resistance" fights backWhen a biocontrol agent feeds directly on or in a pathogen, it is called parasitism. In this way the pathogen is destroyed.Photo, biocontrol agent coiling around pathogenThe BCA is coiling around the pathogenSome biocontrol agents use only one of these actions and others can use several. The most successful biocontrol agents use several of these methods. Animated image of laboratory beakerRETURN TO TOPCartoon owl reading bookRETURN TO BIOCONTROL FAQS 4 KIDS


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