Biological control strategies — Inundation (inundative release) involves what deployment pattern of natural enemies against a pest population?

Introduction / Context:
Biological control uses beneficial organisms to reduce pest populations. Three classic strategies are importation (classical control), augmentation (including inundation and inoculation), and conservation. Understanding the difference between inundation and inoculation helps practitioners choose proper release rates and timing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Pest outbreak requires rapid suppression.
• Natural enemies can be mass-reared and released.
• Short-term impact is prioritized over long-term establishment.

Concept / Approach:
Inundation is an augmentation tactic that floods the cropping system with high densities of biocontrol agents for immediate impact, analogous to a biological “pesticide.” It differs from inoculation, which releases small numbers early for gradual build-up, and from classical control, which seeks long-term establishment of introduced natural enemies.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Commercial releases of Trichogramma wasps or entomopathogenic nematodes during peak pest windows exemplify inundation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Expecting establishment from inundation; success is measured by immediate suppression, not persistence.

Final Answer:
Releasing a large number of organisms over a short time to suppress or destroy a target population.