Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 23-31 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 23 Review and Progress Open Access Advances in Biological Control Methods for Managing Sugarcane Insects JiaXuan Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 1073985433@qq.com Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0004 Received: 25 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 05 Feb., 2024 Published: 25 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Xuan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Xuan J., 2024, Advances in biological control methods for managing sugarcane insects, Molecular Entomology, 15(1): 23-31 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0004) Abstract The objective of this systematic review is to explore recent advances in biological control methods for managing sugarcane insect pests and to evaluate their role in integrated pest management (IPM). By synthesizing current research, this review highlights key biological control agents and their efficacy against major sugarcane insect pests, emphasizing classical, augmentative, and conservation strategies. Classical biological control approaches focus on the introduction of exotic natural enemies, such as parasitoids and predators, which have shown significant success in managing pests like the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) and root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus). Augmentative strategies involve mass rearing and periodic release of natural enemies like Trichogramma spp. and Cotesia flavipes, which have proven effective in reducing pest populations. Conservation biological control emphasizes habitat management practices that enhance the survival and efficacy of native and introduced natural enemies. Furthermore, microbial control agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana), bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), and viruses are gaining prominence in sugarcane pest management due to their specificity and environmental safety. This review provides insights into the potential of these biological control methods in sustainable sugarcane pest management and underscores the importance of integrating them into broader IPM frameworks. Keywords Sugarcane pests; Biological control; Predators; Parasitoids; Microbial control; Integrated pest management Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarumL.) is one of the world's most important crops, providing a primary source of sugar and bioethanol. It is extensively cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions, and its by-products are utilized in various industries, such as energy and animal feed (Oliveira et al., 2022). Despite its significant global importance, sugarcane cultivation faces substantial challenges due to various insect pests that can cause severe yield and quality losses. The most damaging pests include borers, such as the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis), root borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus), and stalk borer (Chilo spp.). Sucking insects, including the sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari), whitefly (Aleurolobus barodensis), and mealybugs (Saccharicoccus sacchari), pose substantial threats by feeding directly on plant sap and transmitting viral diseases. Soil insects like white grubs (Phyllophaga spp.) and termites (Coptotermes spp.) further exacerbate crop losses by damaging roots and hindering plant establishment (Saini et al., 2019). The economic impact of these pests is significant, resulting in reduced yields, increased management costs, and decreased profitability for farmers. Biological control methods have emerged as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for managing sugarcane pests. These methods involve the use of natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogens to control pest populations. Biological control offers several advantages over chemical pesticides, including reduced environmental impact, preservation of beneficial insects, and the potential for long-term pest management. For instance, the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes has been successfully used to control the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis, in Brazil, covering approximately 1.7 million hectares (Huang et al., 2018). Similarly, entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria brongniartii have been commercialized for controlling white grubs.
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