Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 23-31 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 24 The aim of this systematic review is to assess the advancements in biological control methods for managing sugarcane pests. The review will focus on three main approaches: classical biological control, augmentative biological control, and conservation biological control. Classical biological control involves the introduction and establishment of natural enemies from the pest's native range. Augmentative biological control includes the mass production and periodic release of natural enemies, while conservation biological control focuses on modifying the environment to enhance the effectiveness of existing natural enemies (Iqbal et al., 2021). By evaluating these methods, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy, challenges, and future prospects in sustainable sugarcane pest management. 1 Major Insect Pests of Sugarcane 1.1 Borers (Scirpophaga excerptalis, Chilo infuscatellus, Chilo sacchariphagus indicus) Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a vital crop grown globally for sugar production. However, its cultivation is significantly hampered by various insect pests, which cause substantial yield and sugar losses. The major insect pests of sugarcane can be categorized into borers, sucking pests, and soil insects. Borers are among the most destructive pests of sugarcane, causing significant damage to the crop. The sugarcane top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis), the sugarcane stem borer (Chilo infuscatellus), and the internode borer (Chilo sacchariphagus) indicus are the primary borer species affecting sugarcane (Singh and Lal, 2020). Biological control strategies, such as the use of parasitoids like Trichogramma chilonis and Cotesia flavipes, have shown promising results in managing these pests (Gulzar et al., 2022). Additionally, genetic engineering approaches, including the overexpression of cry proteins and proteinase inhibitors, have been explored to enhance resistance against these borers. 1.2 Sucking pests (Ceratovacuna lanigera, Melanaspis glomerata) Sucking pests, such as the sugarcane woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera) and the sugarcane scale insect (Melanaspis glomerata), feed on the plant sap, leading to reduced vigor and yield. Biological control methods, including the use of natural predators and parasitoids, have been employed to manage these pests effectively. For instance, the introduction and conservation of natural enemies have been integral to the biological control programs in various regions (Shukla and Sharma, 2019). Moreover, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that combine biological control with other methods, such as cultural and chemical controls, have been recommended for sustainable pest management. 1.3 Soil insects (Holotrichia serrata, Odontotermes spp.) Soil insects, including the white grub (Holotrichia serrata) and termites (Odontotermes spp.), pose a significant threat to sugarcane by damaging the roots and underground parts of the plant. Biological control agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria brongniartii) and bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis), have been developed and commercialized for controlling these soil pests (Singh et al., 2020). The use of these biocontrol agents has been shown to be effective in reducing pest populations and minimizing crop damage. The advances in biological control methods for managing sugarcane insect pests have provided sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. The integration of biological control agents, genetic engineering, and IPM strategies holds great promise for the effective management of major insect pests in sugarcane cultivation. 2 Augmentative Biological Control 2.1 Mass rearing and release of natural enemies Mass rearing and release of natural enemies have been pivotal in the success of biological control programs. In Brazil, for instance, the development of improved rearing techniques since the 1980s has positioned the country as a leader in BC for open fields. The mass production of natural enemies such as Trichogramma galloi and Cotesia flavipes has enabled the treatment of millions of hectares of sugarcane, significantly reducing pest populations and minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides (Sharma et al., 2020). Similarly, large-scale field experiments in sugarcane fields have demonstrated the effectiveness of inundative releases of Trichogramma species against lepidopteran borers, achieving comparable yields and economic benefits to conventional chemical control methods (Srikanth, 2016).
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