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Insecticide resistance beyond genetics: integrating microbiomes, machine learning, and emerging molecular
Venkatesan Thiruvengadam1, Ashok Karuppannasamy2, Subaharan Kesavan3
1Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resource, Bengaluru 560024, India.
Current Opinion in Insect Science
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Insecticide resistance threatens global agriculture, but new technologies offer solutions. Advances in genomics, surveillance, and novel bioinsecticides are key to sustainable pest management and food security.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Insecticide resistance is a major global threat to agriculture, impacting food security and environmental health.
- Resistance is widespread across major pest groups and insecticide classes.
- Understanding resistance evolution is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in understanding insecticide resistance.
- To highlight how modern technologies are reshaping resistance management strategies.
- To examine policy and governance needs for sustainable resistance management.
Main Methods:
- Genomics and multi-omics approaches to identify resistance mechanisms.
- Innovations in surveillance, including molecular diagnostics and machine learning.
- Review of emerging tools like RNAi, CRISPR, nanotechnology, and microbial interventions.
- Analysis of digital agriculture and decision-support systems for precision pest management.
Main Results:
- Resistance is a complex, polygenic trait involving novel genes, epigenetics, and microbiome interactions.
- Modern technologies enable early warning and prediction of resistance.
- Emerging tools offer alternatives to conventional insecticides.
- Precision pest management enhances insecticide stewardship.
Conclusions:
- Integrated strategies combining technological advancements with policy reforms are essential.
- A coordinated, One Health approach is needed for sustainable insecticide resistance management.
- Addressing policy and governance gaps is critical for long-term success.
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