Evaluation of biological control in food webs based on gut inclusions
Author of the article:WANG Xiao-Zhou1, 2** LI Yan-Hong1, 2 LI Zhuo1 WANG Ning-Xin2 ZHANG Xing-Rui1 LIU Yang1***
Author's Workplace:1. Shandong Key Laboratory for Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; 2. College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Key Words:predatory insects; DNA molecular detection techniques; biological control function; intestinal inclusions; food webs
Abstract:
The
misuse of chemical pesticides and large-scale planting of monocultures have
significantly reduced biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. Strengthening
the management of non-crop habitats can effectively increase the number and
variety of natural enemies of insect pests, promote the establishment and
stability of food webs, and thereby fully utilize the pest control functions of
natural enemies within the food web. Therefore, understanding the predatory
relationships and control capabilities of predatory natural enemies in the food
web is a prerequisite for fully utilizing their pest control function. This
paper systematically reviews progress in research methods based on DNA
molecular detection technology, with a focus on evaluating the pest control capabilities
of natural enemies in the food web through the analysis of their gut contents.
It highlights the similarities and differences between traditional methods of
detecting gut contents, and molecular detection technologies (such as PCR and
DNA barcoding) in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and operability. Furthermore,
in combination with high-throughput sequencing technology, the potential of
constructing food web relationships based on the cytochrome c oxidaseⅠgene in mitochondrial DNA is discussed, noting existing
limitations in terms of applicability. In the future, combining quantitative
predation assessments with food web construction will further reveal the
potential application of DNA molecular detection technologies in biological
pest control, and their innovative significance in pest ecological regulation.
This will promote the deep integration of genomics and ecology, provide
important scientific evidence for optimizing the pest control functions of predatory
species and promote sustainable pest management in agricultural ecosystems.