Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using biological control in IPM programs?

In the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, biological control involves the use of natural enemies or beneficial organisms to manage pest populations. This method is often praised for its environmentally compatible and safe nature, as it minimizes harm to the ecosystem and reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides. Biological control agents can be self-sustaining, meaning that once they are established in an environment, they can continue to control pest populations without the need for constant human intervention.

However, one significant characteristic distinguishing biological control from other pest management strategies is that it is typically not quick acting. Unlike some chemical controls that can provide rapid results in eliminating pests, biological control methods may take time to establish, as they rely on the growth and reproduction of natural enemies. Hence, while biological control has numerous advantages, the expectation of quick results does not align with its typical operational characteristics. Therefore, identifying quick acting as a drawback of biological control is accurate, as it contrasts with the generally slower pace at which biological control strategies work.