What is a notable benefit of employing biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)?

What is a notable benefit of employing biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)?

• A. They are inexpensive and easy to apply
• B. They effectively kill all aquatic life forms
• C. They target specific pest populations while minimizing harm to other species
• D. They can only be used in freshwater environments

Answer: (C)

The notable benefit of employing biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) lies in their ability to target specific pest populations while minimizing harm to other species. Bti is a bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insect larvae, particularly those of mosquitoes, while being safe for non-target organisms, including fish, amphibians, and beneficial insects. This specificity is crucial in aquatic pest management as it helps maintain the ecological balance and reduces the risk of harming beneficial species or disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. By focusing on pest control without adversely affecting non-target species, Bti serves as a valuable tool in integrated pest management strategies, providing effective pest reduction while promoting environmental sustainability. In contrast, methods that indiscriminately target all aquatic life or are limited to specific environments do not offer the same ecological benefits.

The notable benefit of employing biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) lies in their ability to target specific pest populations while minimizing harm to other species. Bti is a bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain insect larvae, particularly those of mosquitoes, while being safe for non-target organisms, including fish, amphibians, and beneficial insects. This specificity is crucial in aquatic pest management as it helps maintain the ecological balance and reduces the risk of harming beneficial species or disrupting the aquatic ecosystem.

By focusing on pest control without adversely affecting non-target species, Bti serves as a valuable tool in integrated pest management strategies, providing effective pest reduction while promoting environmental sustainability. In contrast, methods that indiscriminately target all aquatic life or are limited to specific environments do not offer the same ecological benefits.