What does biocontrol mean?
Biocontrol, short for biological control, refers to the use of living organisms — such as predators, parasitoids, pathogens, or competitors — to manage pests, weeds, and plant diseases. Rather than relying on synthetic chemical pesticides, biocontrol harnesses natural ecological relationships: ladybugs devour aphids, certain wasps parasitize crop-damaging caterpillars, and specific fungi or bacteria suppress harmful insects and weeds. The term is standard vocabulary in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and environmental science, where it is frequently discussed alongside related concepts like integrated pest management (IPM). Biocontrol generally carries positive connotations, since it is viewed as an environmentally sustainable approach with fewer risks of chemical residues, resistance development, and harm to non-target species. It appears both as a mass noun for the practice itself and, more specifically, in phrases like 'biocontrol agent' to describe the organisms deployed. As concerns about pesticide overuse grow worldwide, biocontrol has become an increasingly prominent and valued word in discussions of sustainable farming.
nounThe control of a pest, weed, or plant disease by using one or more other organisms, such as natural predators, parasites, pathogens, or competitors, rather than relying primarily on chemical pesticides.
- The suppression of pests, weeds, or plant diseases using natural predators, parasites, pathogens, or competing organisms rather than synthetic chemicals.
"The greenhouse switched to biocontrol, releasing ladybugs to keep aphid populations in check."
"The vineyard adopted biocontrol by introducing parasitic wasps to manage leafhopper infestations."
"Researchers are evaluating whether biocontrol could replace herbicides in managing invasive water hyacinth."
The plural typically refers to multiple agents or methods used in biological control, though the uncountable singular is more common when referring to the practice as a whole.
"The lab tested several biocontrols before selecting the most effective fungus for the trial."
Instead of spraying chemicals, farmers can deploy armies of ladybugs, wasps, and fungi to fight crop pests — that's biocontrol at work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of biocontrol
The word biocontrol is a 20th-century English compound formed from 'bio-', derived from Greek 'bios' meaning life, and 'control', ultimately tracing back through French 'contrôle' to Medieval Latin 'contrarotulus', meaning a counter-roll or register used for verification. The full phrase 'biological control' predates the shortened form, which arose as agricultural science expanded in the mid-1900s. The prefix 'bio-' connects it to cognates like biology, biography, and biosphere.
Related word forms
How biocontrol is actually used
A technical term used mainly in agriculture, horticulture, ecology, and environmental science. Often shortened informally from 'biological control'. Generally carries positive connotations as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides.
Easily confused with biocontrol
Biocontrol uses living organisms to suppress pests naturally, whereas a biocide is a chemical substance that kills living organisms.