Molecular approaches and their role in integrated pest management

Abstract

Recent advances in plant molecular biology have opened new avenues for the production of genetically engineered plants and in the precise transfer of novel genes into crop plants from diverse sources. A series of genes has been transferred through various transformation techniques including genes for several agronomically important traits such as herbicide resistance, enzyme inhibiters (amylase inhibiters, protease inhibiters), lectin proteins, disease and insect resistance. The application of transgenic technology has resulted in useful GM insect-resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted globally and are a vital tool for pest control. Molecular techniques employed for identifying and monitoring establishment and dispersal of specific biotypes of natural enemies. Production, formulation and storage of entomopathogenic fungi can be dramatically improved through biotechnology and genetic engineering.