What is a bioagent in the context of pest management?

A bioagent, in the context of pest management, refers to a natural enemy of a pest that is intentionally released as part of a biological control program. This approach leverages the natural relationships in ecosystems where certain organisms prey upon or parasitize pest species, thus helping to regulate their populations.

Using bioagents is an environmentally-friendly pest control strategy as it minimizes reliance on synthetic chemicals and helps maintain balance in agricultural or natural ecosystems. By harnessing natural processes, this method typically leads to sustainable pest management solutions, reducing the potential for resistance development often seen with chemical pesticides.

The other options describe different methods or materials used in pest control but do not fit the definition of a bioagent. Chemical options might assist in pest control but are synthetic compounds rather than natural enemies. Artificial pesticides are another synthetic method, while physical barriers involve techniques like nets or traps, which do not involve biological predation or parasitism. Thus, option B accurately reflects the meaning and role of bioagents in pest management practices.