author(s)
Remya S and Nisha MS

abstract
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics employing living entities and chemical control measures need to be adopted in such a manner that the biological control agents are least affected by chemical pesticides, environmental vagaries and other factors hindering their progress. Conventional and molecular methods can be adopted to enhance their level of tolerance. The former utilizes the techniques of artificial selection and hybridization, while mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology constitutes the latter. Suitable interventions adopted at genetic level can make entomopathogens, predators and parasitoids more tolerant at field scale. Hence, there is ample scope for the adoption of genetic improvement projects of natural enemies. Meanwhile, we should also take into consideration various underlying risk factors concerned with the development of Genetically Modified Organisms.