1ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Post Box No. 6450, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru - 560 064, Karnataka, India
Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru - 560 064, Karnataka, India
Online published on 13 September, 2023.
Wolbachia is a vertically transmitted alpha-proteobacteria present in arthropods. It plays a vital role in insect sex manipulation through an array of reproductive alteration through sperm and egg of the host. Wolbachia infection causes insect host sperm and egg incompatibility a well-known manipulation which results in the death of an embryo. This mechanism even results in cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). The other remarkable host reproductive manipulation caused by Wolbachia in insect hosts are feminization, malekilling, speciation and parthenogenesis. These reproductive manipulations induced by Wolbachia are used as an arsenal to control insect pests and vectors, which causes considerable damage to agricultural crops and a major health burden in animals and humans. The Wolbachia -induced sex manipulations in insects and vectors can be used as a biocontrol agent as safe and environmental friendly.
Biocontrol, Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), Insects, Wolbachia
