Brassica-aphid interaction: Challenges and prospects of genetic engineering for integrated aphid management

摘要

One of the most economically important groups of plants, the Brassica crops are cultivated throughout the world for their application as food, feed and vegetable oil purposes. However, the insect pests have been reported to be one of the major hindrances in raising the yield potential of Brassica crops and result in a significant economic loss every year. In terms of the extent of damage the mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) are found to be more severe, causing an overall reduction in yields by about 35-91%. Although, systemic insecticides have been found to be suitable in controlling aphid infestation, the residual problem and ecological consequences have necessitated the use of some novel strategies for controlling the aphids. Further, the lack of naturally resistant cultivar has contributed towards the non-feasibility of traditional breeding approaches for developing aphid-resistant Brassica crops, making genetic engineering indispensable to complement the conventional breeding towards incorporating resistance against aphids. Although, the implication of genetic engineering strategies has resulted in moderate success in developing aphid resistance in some crops, so far commercialization of such transgenic crops has not been conceivable, implying the requirement of further insights into the host plant and aphid interactions to develop improved strategies for aphid resistance. Therefore, in this review, the factors involved in Brassica-aphid interactions are highlighted and the present status and limitations of the genetic engineering of plants for aphid resistance is discussed; so that further improvement in the genetic engineering approach can be carried out for future commercialization of aphid resistant transgenic Brassica crops.