Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 23-31 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 29 5.3 The potential impact of climate change on biological control agents Climate change poses a significant threat to the efficacy of biological control agents. Changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns can affect the life cycles, distribution, and interactions of both pests and their natural enemies. For example, the effectiveness of control methods for pests like Eldana saccharina in South Africa is influenced by temperature variations (Donga et al., 2020). Therefore, it is crucial to study the potential impacts of climate change on BC agents and develop adaptive strategies to ensure their continued effectiveness under changing environmental conditions (Silva et al., 2019). The advances in biological control methods for managing sugarcane insects have shown promising results in reducing pest populations and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides (Cherubin et al., 2021). However, further research is needed to optimize these methods, integrate emerging technologies, and address the challenges posed by climate change. By focusing on these future directions, we can develop more sustainable and effective pest management strategies for sugarcane cultivation (Krishna et al., 2023). 6 Concluding Remarks 6.1 Key insights for the integration of biological control methods This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advances in biological control methods for managing sugarcane insects. By synthesizing findings from various studies, seeking to highlight key insights for the integration of biocontrol methods, discuss their implications for sustainable pest management, and offer recommendations for researchers and policymakers. The integration of biological control methods into sugarcane pest management has shown significant promise. Key insights include the importance of mass rearing and field release of natural enemies, such as parasitoids and entomopathogens, which have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pest populations and improving crop yields. Additionally, the combination of biocontrol with genetic engineering and IPM strategies can enhance the overall efficacy of pest management programs. 6.2 Implications for sustainable pest management Biological control methods offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, reducing environmental risks and preserving beneficial insect populations. The successful implementation of biocontrol can lead to long-term pest suppression, reduced pesticide use, and improved crop health and productivity. Moreover, the adoption of biocontrol practices aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, promoting ecological balance and resilience in agroecosystems. 6.3 Recommendations for researchers and policymakers To further advance the field of biological control in sugarcane pest management, researchers should focus on enhancing mass rearing techniques, Developing efficient and cost-effective methods for mass rearing natural enemies to ensure a steady supply for field releases. Exploring genetic and molecular tools and investigating the potential of genetic engineering and molecular biology to enhance the effectiveness of biocontrol agents and develop pest-resistant sugarcane varieties. Promoting integrated pest management, encouraging the adoption of IPM strategies that combine biocontrol with other pest management practices to achieve comprehensive and sustainable pest control. Fostering collaboration between research institutions, government agencies, and the sugar industry to support coordinated research efforts, technology transfer, and the promotion of biocontrol technologies. By addressing these recommendations, researchers and policymakers can contribute to the development of effective and sustainable pest management strategies for sugarcane, ensuring the long-term viability and productivity of this essential crop. Acknowledgments We would like to express our gratitude to the Director of the Institute of Life Sciences at Ji Yang College of Zhejiang A&F University for reading this paper and providing valuable feedback.
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