Why is biodiversity important in pest management?

Biodiversity is crucial in pest management because it enhances ecosystem stability and resilience against pest outbreaks. A diverse range of plant and animal species within an ecosystem can lead to a balanced environment where natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, help control pest populations. This means that when pest populations rise, the presence of a variety of species increases the likelihood that there will be natural predators available to help manage those pests, thus reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Furthermore, a biodiverse ecosystem can better withstand environmental changes and stressors, such as disease or climate events, making it less likely for a single pest species to dominate and cause significant damage. Healthy ecosystems with high biodiversity are often more robust and can recover more quickly from pest outbreaks, promoting long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.