Genetic management uses tolerance or resistance of plant varieties to certain pests. Varietal resistance is a preferred method for managing certain pests because it usually provides relatively long-term control at low cost. Also, some crop varieties may be more tolerant of pests because they may outgrow pest damage. Unfortunately, many pests have the ability to develop strains or races capable of overcoming varietal resistance. Therefore, a crop variety with good resistance to a certain pest may be effective only for a few years.
Biological management involves the use of other living organisms to manage pests.
Some of these organisms are native to the area, while others are introduced. For example, parasitic wasps were released throughout the state during 1976 - 1978 to help manage the cereal leaf beetle . Several introduced parasites and a native fungal disease are helping to keep the alfalfa weevil in check. A native and naturally occurring fungal disease helps minimize the damage of pea aphids on alfalfa . Biological methods are usually relatively safe, economical, and long-term pest management tactics.