Progress in, and future prospects for, parasitoid research in China
Author of the article:WANG Zhi-Zhi** TANG Pu YE Xi-Qian CHEN Xue-Xin***
Author's Workplace:Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology and Ecological Regulation of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biological Control of Crop Pathogens and Insects, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Key Words:parasitoid wasp; species diversity; host-parasitoid interactions; artificial rearing; field application
Abstract:
There has been remarkable
progress in both theoretical and applied parasitoid research in China in recent
years. Driven by the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as
molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, the scope of research has
moved beyond traditional taxonomy, biology, and ecology to include
phylogenetics, functional gene analysis, and the physiological and molecular
mechanisms regulating parasitic behavior. These advances have begun to reveal
the intrinsic principles governing parasitoid-host interactions. With respect
to applied research, significant breakthroughs have been made in the artificial
rearing and large-scale, mass production of parasitoids. Their application
continues to broaden, supported by increasingly sophisticated field techniques
such as ecological regulation and integrated pest management. These
developments have systematically improved the pest control potential of
parasitoids, providing core scientific and technological support for
environmentally friendly pest management systems. This paper reviews recent,
major advances in theoretical and applied research on parasitic wasps in China,
and identifies outstanding key issues and priority areas for research.