Next-generation insect pest management: genetic innovations and emerging biocontrol strategies

Pest insects represent a major challenge to agriculture and global food security. Existing insect control methods such as chemical insecticides are under increasing scrutiny because of their environmental impacts, and once-effective methods are facing reduced acceptance due to insect pests evolving resistance and increasing regulation. This review summarizes recent advances in transgenic approaches to insect pest control over the last five years. Transgenic crops and molecular approaches play an important role in integrated pest management strategies. Integration of gene drive and transgene-generated resistance offers new strategies for targeted pest suppression, while novel platforms for delivery of dsRNA and CRISPR have broadened the range of molecular approaches. We analyze the ethical and ecological considerations, including biosafety concerns related to species interactions and gene flow. In addition, we examine the potential and limitations of RNAi and CRISPR, including regulatory challenges and public perception of genetic engineering. Synthetic biology, precision agriculture and good risk governance are central to genetic pest control strategies. Advances at the interface of biotechnology and natural systems offer a pathway toward more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.