Molecular tools in biocontrol: Discovery and evaluation of host-parasitoid associations

Molecular techniques have revolutionized the field of diagnostics, with a broad range of applications in medical, veterinary, forensic and botanical sciences. In applied entomology, molecular techniques are often used for insect identification and systematics. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the utility of molecular diagnostics to gain a better understanding of trophic interactions in agroecosystems. In the context of arthropod biological control, such techniques can be used to evaluate host-parasitoid associations, detect interspecific interactions between natural enemies, and assess potential non-target risks. Progress and prospects in the area of molecular diagnostics in arthropod biological control research are discussed.