Direct parental CRISPR gene editing in the predatory bug Orius strigicollis, a biocontrol agent against small arthropods.

Background: The predatory flower bug Orius strigicollis serves as a valuable biocontrol agent against small arthropods; however, its effectiveness can vary, especially when population establishment fails due to low prey/pest densities. A promising approach to improve the efficacy of O. strigicollis as a biocontrol agent is through gene editing.