Genetic Engineering of Insects

Insects, which constitute one of the most abundant groups of living creatures on Earth, are significant to human life in numerous ways. There are many beneficial ones like the honeybee, silkworm, etc. and quite a few that are harmful and cause direct or indirect damage to the well being of human beings. Researchers have been continuously trying to find new ways to mitigate problems of harmful insects like crop pests and also to harness the potential of beneficial ones. In this regard, advances made in genetic engineering have enabled the genetic modification of insects for various purposes. Some of the potential applications of this lie in crop pest management, vector management in public health, production of medically important proteins and genetic improvement of beneficial insects like parasitoids, predators, silk worm and honey bee. The proposed release of genetically engineered insects is evoking serious debate among researchers and environmental groups on safety issues as is happening with transgenic plants and engineered microbes.