Advances in Biological Control of Agricultural Pests and Diseases in China

Dear Prof. Guo Yuyuan, everyone, and colleagues, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the China Plant Protection Association for giving me this opportunity to summarize the progress of our national biological control efforts over the past two or three years. It’s a great honor to have a platform to share the contributions of my peers in this field. Today, I’d like to talk about the recent developments in biological control for agricultural pests. This topic is quite broad, and I’ve spent the entire week reaching out to various experts to gather information. The main points I will discuss today are: 1. An evaluation of the overall level of biological control in our country. 2. The current status and market situation of biological pesticides. 3. The development of new plant disease control methods using biological defense. 4. The successful large-scale application of insect predators. 5. Suggestions for the future development of biological control in China. Regarding the overall level of our biological control research, I believe it is at an advanced international level. In some areas, we may even lead globally. However, when it comes to practical application, there is still a gap compared to countries like those in Northern Europe and North America, where biological control has been more widely adopted. I also notice that both the poorest and the richest countries tend to use biological control more effectively. Wealthier nations can afford more expensive bio-pesticides due to their focus on food safety. In poorer countries, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, biological control is often the only viable option because they lack the infrastructure for chemical pesticides. China, as a developing country, faces unique challenges. While we have made significant progress in research, the market demands low-cost products, which often favors chemical pesticides. This creates competition for biological control solutions. In terms of bio-pesticides, we have several types, including insect viruses and bacterial preparations like *Bacillus thuringiensis* and *Trichoderma*. There are also fungal-based products, and some promising natural compounds such as chitosan oligosaccharides and plant-activating proteins. These substances help induce plant resistance, improving their ability to defend against diseases. Another area of interest is the use of *Bacillus subtilis* and *Bacillus cereus*, which show strong environmental resilience and long shelf life. They produce antibacterial substances that make them effective for disease control. Fungal insecticides, such as *Metarhizium* and entomopathogenic nematodes, are also showing promise. They can cause epidemics among pest populations and are less likely to lead to resistance. However, large-scale production remains a challenge. Insect predators, like *Trichogramma* wasps, have been successfully used in large-scale applications, especially in corn-growing regions. Their effectiveness in controlling pests without chemical intervention is impressive. Looking ahead, I believe we need to strengthen basic research, explore new biological control agents, and integrate biotechnology to develop more efficient bio-pesticides. Collaboration between research institutions and enterprises should be accelerated to bring these products to market faster. Additionally, promoting public awareness of biological control is essential to ensure safe agricultural practices and support the growth of sustainable farming. Thank you all for your attention. **Q: What is the target of action for Beauveria bassiana? Is it a single compound or a mixture? If it's a single compound, has its structure been determined, and can it be used chemically?** **A:** I’m not directly involved in Beauveria research, but from what I know, *Beauveria bassiana* acts through multiple mechanisms. Its spores penetrate the insect’s exoskeleton using enzymes like chitinase. Once inside, the fungus triggers the insect’s immune response, and other enzymes and metabolites contribute to its pathogenicity. Some compounds, like beauvericin, have been identified, but I believe it’s a complex mixture rather than a single substance. While some components could potentially be synthesized chemically, the challenge lies in delivering them effectively to the insect. More research is needed in this area. Thank you.

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