In pesticide management, what is the term for organisms that kill or reduce the vigor of pests?

The term for organisms that kill or reduce the vigor of pests is "Natural Enemies." This concept encompasses a variety of organisms, including predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, that contribute to the biological control of pest populations in agriculture and pest management. By leveraging these natural enemies, pest control can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, promoting a balance in ecosystems.

While "Pest Predators" specifically refers to organisms that actively hunt and consume pests, it is a more narrow term than "Natural Enemies," which includes all forms of biological control. "Beneficial Insects" generally refers to insects that provide advantages in pest management—most notably pollinators and predators—but does not encompass pathogens or other non-insect natural enemies. Lastly, "Control Agents" is a more generic term that could apply to both biological and synthetic methods of pest management, failing to specifically highlight the biological aspect represented by natural enemies. Thus, "Natural Enemies" is the most encompassing and accurate term for organisms that significantly contribute to the reduction of pest populations.