Biological control (biocontrol) is using living organisms or their products to control pests. In this course you will learn some basic terminology associated with biocontrol, as well as the three broad types of biocontrol: classical, augmentative, and conservation. This course focuses on biocontrol agents that are not regulated as pesticides – insects (and other arthropods) and nematodes. You will learn about their modes of action and see examples of each. In addition to the pre- and post- evaluations, at several points during this course you will be invited to pause and do something with what you have just learned (e.g., answer a question). These activities are not graded but are included to facilitate your learning and make this online course more interesting.
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain what biological control is
- Describe the characteristics of the three main types of biological control: augmentative, classical, and conservation
- Classify examples of biological control as either augmentative, classical, or conservation
- Know which biological control agents are not regulated as pesticides
- Describe the different ways that insect and nematode biocontrol agents work (“modes of action”)
Successful completion of this course will earn you 0.5 recertification credit for New York State DEC certified pesticide applicators in categories 1a, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.
*If you are certified in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, check the appropriate state-specific credit information page under the "Store Menu" to confirm approval and recertification credit values.
*Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved all DLC courses and awards the same credits as New York.