True or False: The discovery of Vedalia Beetles as a successful control for cottony cushion scale in 1888 set off the major study into biological control from the late 19th century to the 1940s.

The answer is true because the introduction of Vedalia beetles (Rodolia cardinalis) as a biological control agent for cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi) marked a pivotal moment in the history of pest management. This event was significant not only in the context of controlling a destructive pest of citrus crops but also served as a catalyst for the broader study and adoption of biological control methods.

The success of the Vedalia beetle demonstrated how natural predators could be utilized effectively to manage pest populations, leading to increased interest and research in biological control strategies throughout the late 19th century and into the mid-20th century. This era saw a rise in the understanding of ecological relationships and the potential for harnessing these relationships to manage agricultural pests more sustainably.

The options that indicate false, uncertain, or none of the above do not accurately reflect the historical significance of this discovery in biological pest management practices. The impact of the Vedalia beetle discovery was foundational, influencing subsequent research and practices in pest control that leveraged natural ecosystems and predator-prey dynamics. Thus, the statement about its role in advancing biological control studies is indeed true.