Final answer:
Governments use biological control, a method involving natural predators or other organisms, to minimize the spread of pests in an environmentally sustainable way. This technique is part of integrated pest management strategies and can be complemented by genomics to improve crop resistance to pests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, biological control is a strategy used by governments to minimize the spread of pests without relying on synthetic chemicals. Biological control involves the use of living organisms, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens, to control pest populations. The concept is to introduce or enhance the population of natural enemies of the pests in an area where they are causing damage.
For instance, if a particular pest insect is ravaging crops, a natural predator or parasitoid of that insect could be released to curb its population. This not only reduces the number of pests but does so in a way that can be more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective than using chemical pesticides. This method complements efforts in integrated pest management (IPM), which uses multiple techniques for pest control to reduce the reliance on chemicals.
Another facet of biological control is the use of genomics in agriculture, which can improve disease resistance and generate new hybrid strains. This biotechnological approach equips plants to better withstand pest attacks, reducing the need for external pest control measures.