Biotechnology for insect pest control

Abstract

Insect pests are a major constraint to increased global production of food and fiber. Biological control agents including arthropod natural enemies, entomopathogens (bacteria, nematode, virus, and fungus), plant-derived insecticides and insect hormones are receiving significant interest as alternatives to chemical pesticides and as key components of integrated pest management system. Biotechnology has a significant role in improving efficacy, cost-effectiveness and in expanding the markets for these bioinsecticides. Several molecular techniques have been employed for identifying and monitoring establishment and dispersal of specific biotypes of natural enemies. Genetic engineering and insect transformation technology provide opportunities for the development of insect natural enemies conferring beneficial traits such as pesticide resistance, cold hardiness and sex ratio alteration. Modern technologies provide an effective extraction process, formulation solvents and adjuvants, which can enhance insecticidal activity of plant-derived insecticides. Production, formulation and storage, which are extremely important for the utilization of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes, can be dramatically improved through biotechnology and genetic engineering. The introduction of gene coding for proteinaceous insect toxins (scorpion toxin, mite toxin, trypsin inhibitor), hormones (eclosion hormone, diuretic hormone) or metabolic enzymes (juvenile hormone esterase) into nucleopolyhedroviruses genome are some approaches to increase speed of kill, enhance virulent and extend host specificity of the virus. Genetic manipulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes encoding for proteins toxic to insects offers an opportunity to produce genetically modified strains with more potent and transgenic plant expressing Bt toxin. In addition to the Bt delta-endotoxin, several proteins that are effective against certain insects such as the vegetative insecticidal proteins (VIP), alpha-endotoxin, a variety of secondary metabolites and proteins of plant origin are amenable to genetic manipulation. Biological control strategies involving beneficial insects, microorganisms that attack insect pests and plant-derived insecticide will provide sustainable control practices that work in harmony with genetically engineered plants. Biotechnology can have a positive impact on food security from insect attack and can contribute to the sustainability of modern agriculture. However, the use of biotechnology brings questions regarding the potential impact of those genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or plants to human, animal and environment. National biosafety and regulatory systems for proper management of GMOs must be in place to enable the full exploitation of biotechnology. Insect control strategies that integrate advance knowledge in biotechnology with traditional wisdom and technology will contribute to the sustainability of agriculture.