Advances, Prospects and Limitations of Genetic Tools for Pest Management Strategies in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Agricultural pests are considered the most crucial threat to food security. The traditional pest control strategies seem ineffective against the most pests. This chapter outlines the principles and techniques widely used in conventional farming with their pros and cons. However, emphasis is given to the modern genetic tools, viz., transgenic approach, insect sterile techniques, and the possible use of RNAi in developing pest management strategies. Furthermore, legal restrictions enforced by the biosafety acts and potential avenues to reckon such biotechnological and genetics tools in Sri Lanka are discussed.