Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 49-60 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 50 Rhodococcus erythropolis is of interest for its diverse ecological roles. They can decompose organic matter in the soil, promote plant growth, and participate in the nitrogen cycling process in some ecosystems. Rhodococcus can also establish symbiotic relationships with insects, colonizing their guts or external surfaces. These ecological functions make Rhodococcus an important component in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Rhodococcus erythropolis plays a significant role in ecosystems and has emerged as a potential biological control method, particularly in the area of mosquito control. Mosquitoes are vectors for many diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus (Du, 2023). The use of traditional chemical insecticides not only leads to environmental pollution and health risks but also increases mosquito resistance to these chemicals. Finding an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable mosquito control method is crucial. Rhodococcus erythropolis, as a potential biological control tool, has sparked widespread interest. It can reduce mosquito populations through various mechanisms. One mechanism involves the secretion of antibiotics by Rhodococcus erythropolis, which inhibits mosquito growth and development. Rhodococcus erythropolis can also colonize the mosquito gut, competing for nutritional resources and weakening the mosquitoes' viability. Although Rhodococcus erythropolis has shown potential effectiveness in mosquito control, there are still many issues and challenges in its practical application (Liu et al., 2023). It is unclear whether the effectiveness of Rhodococcus erythropolis can remain stable across different regions and environmental conditions. Potential unintended impacts on other insects by Rhodococcus erythropolis require further research and risk assessment. The production and release methods of Rhodococcus erythropolis, as well as comparisons with other biological control methods, also need detailed study and analysis. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using Rhodococcus erythropolis as a potential biological control method in mosquito control, while also considering its potential impact on other insects and ecosystems. The feasibility and limitations of using Rhodococcus erythropolis as a potential biological control method in mosquito control will provide important references and suggestions for future biological control strategies. This study will focus on ecosystem protection and sustainable development to ensure that any control method applied does not adversely affect the environment. 1 Ecological Perspective of Rhodococcus erythropolis 1.1 Habitat and lifecycle of Rhodococcus erythropolis Rhodococcus erythropolis is a type of bacterium widely distributed in nature. Research from an ecological perspective, starting with the habitat and lifecycle of Rhodococcus erythropolis, helps to deeply understand its role and significance in ecosystems. The habitats of Rhodococcus erythropolis are diverse, including but not limited to soil, water bodies, plant surfaces, and inside some insects. In the soil, Rhodococcus erythropolis plays a vital role in decomposition, breaking down organic matter and promoting plant growth (Figure 2). They can also survive in water bodies, impacting the ecological functions of aquatic ecosystems. Rhodococcus erythropolis can establish symbiotic relationships on the surfaces of some plants, assisting plants in nutrient absorption. Notably, Rhodococcus erythropolis forms symbiotic relationships with certain insects, with the most famous interaction being with mosquitoes (Busch., 2019). The lifecycle of Rhodococcus erythropolis is relatively simple, mainly divided into two phases: the free-living phase and the symbiotic phase. In the free-living phase, Rhodococcus erythropolis exists as single cells that can reproduce through division and can also form spores to survive in unfavorable environments. Once Rhodococcus erythropolis establishes a symbiotic relationship with insects like mosquitoes, they enter the symbiotic phase, forming colonies in the insect's gut or on its surface. In this phase, Rhodococcus erythropolis displays more diversity and functionality, including secreting antibiotics, enhancing nutrient absorption, and participating in the reproductive control of the insect. The change in lifecycle allows Rhodococcus erythropolis to play different ecological roles in various environmental contexts.
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