REVOLUTIONIZING PEST CONTROL: HARNESSING eDNA TECHNOLOGY FOR PRECISION INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT

Global food production, supply chains, and food security are increasingly threatened by the burgeoning human population and the dwindling availability of arable land, exacerbating their vulnerability to both natural disasters and anthropogenic disturbances. Crop production hinges on a myriad of species interactions, encompassing both beneficial and detrimental organisms. The large-scale identification of these species within food production systems presents a formidable challenge, yet precise identification is paramount for accurately cataloging biodiversity and monitoring ecological changes. Enhancing our capabilities in detecting emergent pests and diseases, assessing soil and pollinator diversity, and collecting data to inform innovative management strategies such as targeted pesticide and fertilizer applications are critical components of this endeavor. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a potent tool for the rapid and precise identification of individual organisms and species assemblages across various matrices, including air and soil. This paper explores the application of eDNA for the surveillance of agricultural environments and pest management. The scope of this review encompasses the utilization of eDNA technology in agricultural systems, focusing on its application in pest control and biodiversity monitoring. Despite the promising capabilities of eDNA, its implementation in pest management within agricultural systems remains underutilized, particularly in regions where food security is most at risk. A significant gap exists in the application of eDNA-based monitoring studies in food production systems globally, with a marked deficiency in developing nations. The objectives of this review are to evaluate the current use of eDNA in pest control and agricultural biodiversity monitoring, identify existing limitations and propose potential solutions to enhance eDNA applications, and highlight the need for increased adoption of eDNA technologies in underrepresented regions to improve global food security. Our comprehensive analysis underscores the efficacy of eDNA-based monitoring in pest control, delivering precise taxonomic identifications. Notably, 60% of eDNA research is concentrated on soil and plant substrates, predominantly focusing on bacterial and insect identification, with European studies accounting for a significant proportion (42%). There is a notable paucity of eDNA-based monitoring studies in numerous global food production systems, particularly within developing nations where food security is most precarious.