Harnessing next-generation molecular technologies for precision control of Tuta absoluta and Helicoverpa armigera in...

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most significant vegetable crops cultivated around the world. Among biotic stresses, production of tomato is severely affected by insect pests mainly by tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta). Traditionally to manage the destruction caused by insect pests, farmers mostly used chemical insecticides and by different cultural practices. Use of chemical pesticides is of great concern as it is harmful for the environment and other living beings and with the passage of time, insects develop resistance against pesticides. Latest progress in molecular biology enables scientists to develop next generation pest management approaches that are more precise, environment friendly and sustainable. This review describes nascent molecular approaches to manage tomato pests, like transgenic expression of insecticidal proteins such as of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, RNAi (RNA interference) strategies including HIGS and SIGS, genome editing by CRISPR-Cas, protease inhibitors and male sterility. These strategies not only enhance resistance of crop against pests but also are safe for environment and other organisms. This review also addresses the combination of different molecular approaches and pyramiding of genes involve in delaying resistance. Overall, these advanced molecular approaches providing sustainable resistance against insect pests have been discussed.