Hassan Bashir1, *Ali Ammar2, Shagufta Bashir3, Arbaz Hassan2 and Muhammad Rashid4
1Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in Surakarta, Indonesia 2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan 3Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan 4Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan
*Corresponding author: aliammar225@gmail.com
The role of beneficial insects in sustainable agriculture is increasingly recognized and researched. These insects serve as natural pest control agents, pollinators, and recyclers of organic matter, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the various roles beneficial insects play in agriculture, strategies to attract and maintain their populations, and their incorporation into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) schemes. It discusses the successful integration of these insects into diverse farming systems through global case studies. Furthermore, it explores the challenges faced in optimizing the use of beneficial insects, such as pesticide impacts, habitat loss, and climate change, and it also delves into the future directions of this field, including advanced insect rearing techniques, the potential of genetically modified insects, and adaptation strategies to climate change. The review concludes that fostering beneficial insect populations and understanding their ecology are key to promoting sustainable agriculture. As we navigate the future, it is essential to leverage scientific knowledge and adopt ethically sound practices to harness the full potential of these tiny allies.