Biological Control for Conventional Growers: Busting the Organic-Only Myth

Biological control is often associated with organic production, but beneficial insects, predatory mites, parasitoids, nematodes, and microbial products have become valuable tools in conventional growing operations as well. For many growers, biological control is not about replacing pesticides entirely. Instead, it adds another layer of pest management that improves long-term results while reducing reliance on any single control method.

Why Conventional Growers Use Biological Control

Most operations rely on an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical controls. While pesticides remain an important part of many programs, repeated use of the same active ingredients or modes of action can make pests more difficult to manage over time.

Pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites are known for their ability to develop resistance to many pesticide groups. This is why growers are encouraged to rotate chemistries and incorporate additional management strategies whenever possible.

Biological control introduces natural enemies that control pests through predation, parasitism, or infection. Unlike pesticides, these beneficial organisms actively locate pests and continue working between applications.

How Biological Control Complements Spray Programs

Biological control is very effective when used as part of a broader IPM strategy.

For example, parasitoid wasps such as Aphipar (Aphidius colemani) can help control aphid species, while predatory mites such as Swirski-Mite (Amblyseius swirskii) are commonly used for thrips and whitefly control. When introduced proactively, beneficials provide management between pesticide applications & reduce manual labor.

Because biological control agents work differently than conventional pesticides, they help diversify pest management programs and can reduce pressure versus utilizing only a single control tactic.

Success Depends on Compatibility

The most successful biological control programs in conventional production are built around compatibility. Some pesticides are less disruptive to beneficial organisms than others, and application timing can have a significant impact on program success.

Selecting compatible products, observing recommended reintroduction intervals when needed, and coordinating releases around spray schedules can allow growers to incorporate beneficials while continuing to use pesticides. In many operations, biological and chemical controls work together as complementary tools within the same IPM program.

A Practical IPM Approach

The idea that biological control is only for organic growers is outdated. Today, conventional growers across greenhouse, nursery, ornamental, cannabis, vegetable, fruit, and berry production systems successfully use beneficial organisms alongside pesticides as part of comprehensive IPM programs.

Rather than choosing between biological control and chemistry, many growers find that integrating both approaches creates a more flexible and resilient pest management strategy that can adapt to changing pest pressures throughout the growing season.

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