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Comparative Insights Into Detoxification, Regulation, and Evolution of Neonicotinoid Resistance in Three Planthoppers
Minyoung Choi1, Murtaza Khan2, Juil Kim1,2
1Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea.
Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Rice planthoppers are evolving high resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides like imidacloprid. This resistance is mainly due to enhanced detoxification by enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450s, impacting pest control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Molecular Entomology
- Insecticide Resistance
Background:
- Rice planthoppers (brown planthopper, white-backed planthopper, small brown planthopper) are major Asian rice pests.
- Widespread neonicotinoid use, especially imidacloprid, has led to rapid, high-level insecticide resistance in these pests.
- Resistance varies spatially and temporally, influenced by selection pressure and migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on neonicotinoid resistance in rice planthoppers.
- To detail the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of resistance.
- To discuss implications for integrated pest management and RNAi-based control.
Main Methods:
- Long-term monitoring of resistance levels.
- Molecular studies including RNAi, heterologous expression, and genome editing.
- Transcriptomic analyses to identify regulatory networks.
Main Results:
- Resistance primarily mediated by metabolic detoxification, notably cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) like CYP6ER1.
- Other enzymes (esterases, GSTs, UGTs, ABC transporters) contribute to detoxification.
- Target-site mutations in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are less significant in field populations.
- Regulatory networks (CncC/MafK, HNF4, MAPK) control CYP overexpression, showing convergent evolution.
Conclusions:
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for sustainable rice pest control.
- Integrated resistance management strategies are needed to combat evolving planthopper resistance.
- RNAi-based approaches show promise for future pest control strategies.
