Genetic improvement of natural enemies: A review

Abstract

Biological control has been accepted as an eco-friendly, technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable method of pest management. Various technologies and methods have been adapted in order to genetically improve the performances of natural enemies (predators, parasitoids and pathogens). Artificial selection of various strains under different conditions, hybridization (heterosis) of different strains and rDNA technologies has been adopted towards these directions. Various traits like tolerant to pesticidal stress, tolerant to extreme abiotic stresses, shortening developmental rate, enhancing progeny production, altering sex ratio and altering host or habitat preferences could enhance the effectiveness of natural enemies. The genetically improved natural enemies (predators, parasitoids and pathogens) might be the next level biological weapons against the pest populations in agricultural systems.