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Transforming Tuta absoluta Management: A Synergistic Approach Integrating Sustainability, Biological Control, and Biotechnological Innovations
by
, , , , and
Abdul Basit
1
,
Farman Ullah
2
,
Muhammad Rehan Akhtar
3, 
Muhammad Humza
4
,
Muhammad Adeel Ghafar
1,
Moazam Hyder
1,
Inzamam Ul Haq
1
and
Youming Hou
1,* 1
State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
2
Xianghu Laboratory, Institute of Bio-Interaction, Hangzhou 311258, China
3
State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
4
State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111173
Submission received: 5 October 2025
/
Revised: 7 November 2025
/
Accepted: 13 November 2025
/
Published: 17 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
Simple Summary
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917), commonly known as the tomato pinworm, is a key global pest of tomato, and high insecticide resistance is forcing the development of new control measures. This review presents current developments in integrated pest management strategies, which include the use of biocontrol agents and biotechnological strategies such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9, SIT, and nano-bio-insecticides. These approaches also present sustainable, environment-friendly solutions as an alternative to chemical insecticides, reducing the reliance on chemical controls and improving pest management in agro-food production.
Abstract
Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917), commonly known as the tomato pinworm, is a destructive pest of tomato and other solanaceous crops worldwide that leads to large yield losses. Because of the increasing resistance to chemical insecticides, alternative means of control are required. This review is focused on the actual integrated management with regard to natural, chemical, and advanced biotechnological control systems for T. absoluta. Traditional chemical methods of control, most commonly insecticides, have become less efficient as resistance develops. On the other hand, natural enemies such as predatory mirids, parasitoids, and microbial organisms seem to be promising in suppressing them. Moreover, biotechnology tools, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9, and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), provide targeted and durable strategies against pests. Nano-bio-insecticides prepared using nanotechnological tools can enhance pest control through optimizing stability, toxicity, and release of active molecules. These improvements not only optimize pesticide monitoring but also contribute to sustainable farming. Integrated into a holistic IPM system, such innovative tools decrease dependence on chemical pesticides and offer environmentally friendly and effective solutions for T. absoluta control. This multi-modal approach outlines the need for further studies and the harnessing of these advanced techniques to suppress the emerging hazardous consequences posed by this invasive pest.
Keywords:
T. absoluta; microbial control; plant extract; RNAi; CRISPR/Cas9; SIT
