Suggestions for unifying the terminology in biological control

This paper gives suggestions for unifying the terminology in biological control across different research disciplines, such as biological control of arthropods, weeds and plant pathogens. It is suggested that use of the term 'biological control' is restricted to the use of living organisms. Four strategies of biological control are outlined and defined: (1) Classical biological control, (2) Inoculation biological control, (3) Inundation biological control, and (4) Conservation biological control, It is proposed to use these four terms as defined, and avoid usage of the term 'augmentation'. Terms for specific processes and modes of action (for example, 'parasitoid' and 'competitor') can be defined by usage within the different biological control disciplines. Microbial control usually indicates biological control of invertebrates using microbes and, as such, is a subdivision of biological control. Use of additional auxiliary terms such as biopesticide is discussed.