Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 49-60 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 55 In the genus Rhodococcus, only Rhodococcusfascians (Rhodococcus bandicoot) is a phytopathogenic bacterium, and its model strain is ATCC12974. Rhodococcusfascians has a lot of host plants, and it can infect a variety of plants such as geraniums, strawberries, dahlias, lilies and corns, etc. When infecting dicotyledonous plants, it can cause localized proliferation of plant phloem tissue, resulting in the leaflets being covered with galls, i.e., the symptoms of leaf galls appear. When infesting dicotyledonous plants, it can cause localized proliferation of plant meristematic tissues, resulting in plant leaflets being covered by galls, i.e. leaf gall symptoms. Infection of monocotyledonous plants, such as lilies, can cause loss of apical dominance, deformation of bulbs, formation of very long lateral root branches, and banding phenomenon, which ultimately makes the lilies lose their commercial value (Wang et al., 2023). When infesting tobacco seedlings, Rhodococcus fumigatus can strongly inhibit seedling growth, inhibit root development, thicken and dwarf the hypocotyl, and prevent leaf formation. Regarding the pathogenesis of Rhodococcusfascians, the cytokinin of the bacterium is the main factor influencing the pathogenicity of the strain. A pathogenicity gene, fas, present on a linear plasmid, is a component of the cytokinin manipulator and is essential for maintaining the pathogenicity of the bacterium, while the expression of this gene can be controlled at the transcriptional and translational levels by regulating environmental factors such as pH, carbon source, phosphate and oxygen content, and cell density. An unintended negative impact on an important beneficial insect was observed when Rhodococcus erythropolis was introduced to control a crop pest. The rapid proliferation of Rhodococcus erythropolis in the agricultural plant population led to a sharp decline in beneficial insect numbers, causing crop production issues, as beneficial insects usually maintain ecological balance. This case reveals challenges in the application of Rhodococcus erythropolis, necessitating careful assessment of ecosystem complexity and the ecological roles of non-target insects. In some scenarios, Rhodococcus erythropolis may require more cautious and targeted application to minimize adverse impacts on non-target insects. 4.3 Integrated case: combining Rhodococcus erythropolis with other control methods for enhanced mosquito management In some scenarios, combining Rhodococcus erythropolis with other control methods can enhance mosquito management. This integrated case examines the synergistic effects of Rhodococcus erythropolis and other control measures for more effective mosquito population control. Combining two modified mosquito technologies in a trial site in Guangzhou's Nansha Island, researchers almost completely eradicated one of the world's most invasive mosquito species. A multi-tiered control strategy was employed, including Rhodococcus erythropolis release, chemical insecticide spraying, and environmental modification. Rhodococcus erythropolis release helped to quickly reduce mosquito numbers, while chemical spraying controlled outbreaks in the short term. Meanwhile, modifying urban environments to reduce mosquito breeding sites contributed to long-term mosquito population control. Results indicated significant success in this integrated control strategy, drastically lowering mosquito numbers and reducing disease transmission risks. This case underscores the synergy between different control methods and Rhodococcus erythropolis's role in a successful comprehensive model for mosquito control. In conclusion, Rhodococcus erythropolis, as a biological control method, has potential advantages and challenges. Successful cases highlight its potential in mosquito control while protecting beneficial insects. Challenge cases remind us of the need for careful assessment of its impact on non-target insects, especially in complex ecosystems. The integrated case shows the effectiveness of combining Rhodococcus erythropolis with other control methods, offering valuable insights for developing more effective biological control strategies. The application of Rhodococcus erythropolis requires a comprehensive consideration of environmental, ecosystem interactions, and various control methods to ensure both ecological balance and human health benefits.
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