Question

An Arizona farmer investigates the method to control the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, the primary pest of

alfalfa crops in southwestern Arizona. The farmer sows genetically identical alfalfa seeds on three plots

of land and harvests the alfalfa for three years and uses a different pest control method on each plot.

On plot A, the farmer does not use any pest control methods. On plot B, the farmer introduces a

parasitic wasp that uses the alfalfa weevil as its primary host. On plot C, the farmer uses an insecticide.

The farmer records the alfalfa yields for each plot after each harvest.

A. Identify the general type of pest control method used on plot B.

B. If a fourth plot D were available, explain how the farmer could modify the investigation to include an

additional pest control method.

Answer 1

A. The general type of pest control method used on plot B is biological control.

B. If a fourth plot D were available, the farmer could modify the investigation by using a cultural control method. For example, the farmer could plant alfalfa at a different time to avoid the peak of the alfalfa weevil's life cycle.