Genetic Studies on Tick Ecdysteroid Regulation for Development of Sustainable Tick Control Strategies

*Ticks are exoparasites of mammals and important pests of livestock. Presently, tick control depends on use of acaricides and pesticides commonly used in integrated pest management. Despite a low efficacy for the control of ticks, these chemicals provide great advantages to livestock production. However, overuse results in the development of ticks resistant to these pest control agents. Therefore, development of alternative ways for sustainable livestock production is required. A knowledge of tick ecology and physiology is important for the development of strategies for integrated tick management. Tick molting and reproduction require blood feeding and are under endocrinological regulation. Ecdysteroids regulate tick molting and reproduction by combining with an ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). Ecdysteroid agonists are used in control of insects but these agonists are not effective against ticks. Studies on the regulation of molting and reproduction in ticks may provide effective tick control strategies leading to development of sustainable livestock production.