Recent Advances in Sustainable Management of Cylas formicarius

TL;DR

This paper reviews sustainable methods to control Cylas formicarius, a harmful pest of sweet potatoes, focusing on biological and green alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of novel and sustainable biocontrol strategies for Cylas formicarius, including entomopathogenic fungi, RNAi, and resistant sweet potato varieties.

Findings

Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes show strong virulence against Cylas formicarius.

Botanical pesticides like azadirachtin and sex pheromone traps are effective and environmentally safe.

Transgenic technology and RNAi offer promising genetic approaches for pest control.

Abstract

This review summarizes advances in the biological control of Cylas formicarius, a major quarantine pest of sweet potatoes. Traditional chemical control methods face challenges such as resistance and environmental hazards, creating an urgent need for green, safe, and sustainable control methods for prevention and management of Cylas formicarius. The paper reviews several promising biocontrol strategies: entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae) and nematodes show strong virulence; botanical pesticides like azadirachtin offer low-toxicity options; sex pheromone traps are effective for monitoring and mass trapping; and transgenic technology along with RNA interference (RNAi) provide novel genetic approaches. Additionally, breeding resistant sweet potato varieties is highlighted as a sustainable long-term solution. The review concludes by identifying current challenges and future research directions to establish an integrated green management system for this pervasive pest.

Cylas formicarius is a significant quarantine pest worldwide, causing year-round outbreaks in tropical and subtropical regions. This pest is characterized by a highly cryptic nature, a high reproduction rate, and broad environmental adaptability, which makes it difficult to control. Frequent use of pesticides is not cost-effective, as it brings the accompanying effects of pesticide residues and environmental pollution. With the rapid development of green agriculture, biological control has become an important component in an integrated green management system for C. formicarius. Therefore, this paper critically reviews the research progress in insect pathogenic microorganisms, plant-based pesticides, natural enemy insects, insect sex pheromones, transgenic technology, as well as the screening, identification, and breeding of insect-resistant varieties. The aim is to provide theoretical references for the research and application of sustainable management of C. formicarius.

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