In pest management, what is the role of microorganisms?

Microorganisms play a significant role in pest management, primarily as biorational agents. Biorationals are naturally occurring substances that can be utilized for pest control in a way that minimizes harm to non-target organisms, including humans and beneficial insects. Such microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can specifically target pests, leading to their control while having a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic chemicals.

Using microorganisms for pest management often involves exploiting their natural life cycles, pathogenic properties, or other ecological relationships to manage pest populations effectively. This strategy can include introducing beneficial microorganisms into an ecosystem or applying microbial pesticides that specifically aim to suppress the pest populations.

Other options don't align with the primary role of microorganisms in pest management. They are not considered primary pests themselves nor typical pesticides, and while they can influence pest resistance indirectly, their main function lies in aiding in control methods that harness their natural biological mechanisms.