Editorial for the Special Issue “Pests, Pesticides, Pollinators and Sustainable Farming”

1. Introduction

The global agricultural sector continues to face the pressing challenge of ensuring food security while maintaining ecological integrity. Modern crop production systems must address the dual crises of pest pressure and pollinator decline, both of which are influenced by climate change, habitat loss, and extensive synthetic pesticide use. Conventional pest management, while historically successful in securing yields, often results in ecological disruption, pest resistance, and negative effects on beneficial organisms [1,2,3]. Thus, sustainable farming systems must embrace integrative approaches that combine effective pest suppression with pollinator conservation and ecosystem resilience [4].

This Special Issue of Agronomy, entitled “Pests, Pesticides, Pollinators and Sustainable Farming,” brings together thirteen papers—twelve original research articles and one review—that collectively reflect the growing scientific and technological advances supporting the transition toward environmentally sound agricultural practices. The contributions span field ecology, chemical ecology, biotechnology, and precision agriculture, all converging on the shared objective of reconciling pest management with biodiversity conservation.

2. Highlights of This Special Issue

The importance of pollinator services and landscape diversification is reflected in studies demonstrating that sowing flowering plant mixtures in field margins enhances pollinator and natural enemy populations, leading to improved ecosystem functionality and potential yield gains [5,6]. Similar findings across cropping systems highlight how habitat diversification strengthens pollination services and biological control [7,8].

Efforts to develop alternative pest management tools based on natural products and microorganisms are gaining momentum globally. For example, essential oils and microbial biocontrol agents have shown promise in suppressing major pests while improving plant vigor [9,10]. These approaches align with the global transition toward bio-based pest management, minimizing chemical inputs and ecological disturbance [11,12].

Several contributions to this Special Issue also address the use of innovative technologies and ecological knowledge for pest monitoring and detection. Recent developments in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), hyperspectral imaging, and machine learning offer powerful tools for early pest detection and precision management [13,14]. Such tools can greatly enhance the efficiency of integrated pest management (IPM) programs and reduce pesticide reliance.

Ecological risks associated with pesticide exposure remain an urgent issue. Longitudinal studies have demonstrated that chronic pesticide exposure contributes to pollinator health decline and increased pathogen prevalence [15,16]. These findings reinforce the call for policies that integrate pesticide risk assessment with pollinator protection frameworks.

Finally, global perspectives on pest control are increasingly emphasizing preventive and ecologically based approaches. Locust management, for instance, has evolved from chemical-intensive eradication to early warning systems and habitat-based prevention strategies [17,18,19]. This shift exemplifies how sustainable pest control and ecosystem stewardship can coexist within resilient agricultural systems.

3. Conclusions

Taken together, the papers in this Special Issue illustrate viable pathways toward resilient, biodiversity-friendly farming systems through field experimentation, technological innovation, and ecological understanding. They reaffirm that pest control and pollinator protection are complementary objectives within sustainable agriculture. By integrating ecological principles, innovative technologies, and international collaboration, the agricultural sector can achieve both productivity and environmental stewardship.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors for their valuable contributions, to the reviewers for their time and expertise in ensuring scientific rigor, and to the Agronomy editorial team for their continuous support and professionalism. The collective efforts represented in this Special Issue advance our understanding of how to achieve productive, resilient, and ecologically sustainable farming systems for the future.