Which pest management method can involve exploiting the soil's natural microbial antagonists to suppress pests?

• A. Antibiosis
• B. Host resistance
• C. Augmentation
• D. Exclusion

Answer: (A)

Antibiosis is about exploiting microbes in the soil that naturally produce substances that suppress pests. These microbial antagonists release antibiotics, toxins, or enzymes that harm or inhibit pest organisms, helping to keep their populations in check. By creating conditions that support beneficial soil microbes—like maintaining organic matter, proper moisture, and minimal disruptive inputs—you tap into the soil’s existing biological checks on pests. This approach contrasts with relying on plant traits (host resistance), adding more beneficial organisms after the fact (augmentation), or using physical barriers to keep pests out (exclusion).