Insect neuropeptides as agents for pest control: potential and challenges

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Chemical insecticides are vital for food production but pose environmental and health risks due to persistence and lack of target specificity.
• Insect neuropeptides, natural regulators of insect physiology and behavior, are emerging as sustainable bioinsecticide candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential and challenges of using neuropeptides and their synthetic analogs as bioinsecticides.
• To explore strategies for enhancing neuropeptide-based pest control efficacy and sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on neuropeptide mechanisms, biostability, and non-target effects.
• Discussion of strategies including peptide modification, targeted delivery systems, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
• Consideration of omics technologies and artificial intelligence in neuropeptide discovery and design.

Main Results:

• Neuropeptides offer specific modes of action but face challenges in biostability and potential non-target effects.
• Molecular techniques like RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 can specifically disrupt neuropeptide signaling pathways.
• Integration with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and genetically modified crops can improve efficacy and sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Direct application of neuropeptides is currently limited, but targeting neuropeptide-related genes presents a promising avenue for future biological pest control.
• Overcoming regulatory hurdles, production costs, and resistance development is crucial for widespread adoption.