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Agriculture
Special Issues
Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition
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Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2026 | Viewed by 7602

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xun Zhu

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Guest Editor
Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: insect; aphid; integrated pest management; pesticide resistance; insect molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Zhiguang Yuchi

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Guest Editor
School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
Interests: pesticide; mechanism of action; resistance; ion channel; structural biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Xin Yang

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Guest Editor
Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: insecticide resistance; whitefly; gene regulation; pest control; cytochrome P450; insect signaling pathway
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lang Pan

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Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
Interests: herbicide resistance; weed management; herbicide toxicity; weed biology; weed population ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pesticide is a double-edged sword: it is widely used to control harmful organisms such as pests and weeds, but also affects non-target organisms and causes human disease and environment pollution. The potential risks associated with the use of pesticides are acceptable to a certain extent, considering the benefits that they generate. With this, the aim of the sustainable use of pesticides is to balance the risks and benefits of their application.

This Special Issue aims to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by reducing the risks associated with their use in agriculture, and by promoting the use of integrated pest management (IPM) and alternative green approaches and techniques. Research articles may cover topics related to pesticide use status, pesticide risk evaluation, new techniques of pesticide application, field pest resistance status, resistance mechanisms, and pesticide resistance management strategies. For this Special Issue, we welcome all types of articles, including original research, opinion, and review articles.

Prof. Dr. Xun Zhu
Prof. Dr. Zhiguang Yuchi
Prof. Dr. Xin Yang
Prof. Dr. Lang Pan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pesticide
  • pesticide research and development
  • integrated pest management
  • sustainable agriculture
  • pesticide synthesis
  • pesticide formulation
  • pesticide application
  • pesticide risk assessment
  • pesticide residue
  • pesticide resistance

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 5011 KB  
Article
Identification and Functional Characterization of Nine Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Lasioderma serricorne Reveals Their Roles in Detoxification of Emerging Fumigants
by Mingxun Zu, Yu Shen, Kangkang Xu, Qian Guo, Wenjia Yang, Guy Smagghe and Can Li
Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080895 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 417
Abstract
The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally important pest of stored products, and prolonged fumigant use has accelerated resistance development. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are key phase II detoxification enzymes that mediate insect tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we identified [...] Read more.
The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally important pest of stored products, and prolonged fumigant use has accelerated resistance development. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are key phase II detoxification enzymes that mediate insect tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we identified nine GST genes (LsGSTs) in L. serricorne and classified them into four cytosolic classes, namely epsilon, delta, theta, and sigma, based on phylogenetic analysis. Most LsGSTs were predominantly expressed during larval stages, while LsGSTs7 showed peak expression in adults. Tissue-specific profiling revealed predominant expression in metabolically active organs, including the fat body, Malpighian tubules, and midgut. Inhibition of GST activity using diethyl maleate (DEM) significantly increased larval susceptibility to three emerging fumigants: ethyl formate, benzothiazole, and methyl isothiocyanate. Exposure to LC30 and LC50 concentrations of these fumigants induced up-regulation of multiple LsGSTs, highlighting fumigant-specific detoxification responses. RNA interference targeting nine fumigant-inducible LsGSTs markedly elevated mortality and decreased total GST activity under fumigant stress. Furthermore, recombinant LsGSTs6 protein effectively metabolized methyl isothiocyanate, confirming their direct role in fumigant detoxification. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GST-mediated tolerance in L. serricorne and identify specific GST isoenzymes as promising molecular targets for innovative resistance management strategies in stored-product pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1843 KB  
Article
Recruitment of Predator Cheilomenes sexmaculata by Active Volatiles from Lemon Plants Infested with Frankliniella intonsa
by Jie Zhang, Peng Huang, Rongxin Yi, Shuhan Huang, Jinai Yao and Deyi Yu
Agriculture 2026, 16(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16020284 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 439
Abstract
The flower thrips, Frankliniella intonsa, is a major pest threatening citrus production. However, chemical control remains the primary management measure, which poses significant risks on ecosystems. Hence, it is urgent to prioritize more eco-friendly measures to efficiently control thrips. The ladybird, Cheilomenes [...] Read more.
The flower thrips, Frankliniella intonsa, is a major pest threatening citrus production. However, chemical control remains the primary management measure, which poses significant risks on ecosystems. Hence, it is urgent to prioritize more eco-friendly measures to efficiently control thrips. The ladybird, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, is a predominant natural enemy in the local citrus agroecosystem and could play a key role in suppressing thrips in agricultural landscapes. Although some ladybirds are known to be attracted to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), little is known about the specific attractive compounds and the effect of F. intonsa-infested lemon plants on the predatory response of C. sexmaculata. Here, we studied the chemical interaction between F. intonsa, C. sexmaculata, and lemon plants. In dual-choice behavioral assays, C. sexmaculata adults significantly preferred volatiles from F. intonsa-infested plants over those from healthy plants. Volatile collection and analysis identified six monoterpenes, five of which (α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, and eucalyptol) individually attracted C. sexmaculata at specific concentrations. Moreover, a blend of these five compounds, formulated at their optimal attractive concentrations, elicited a stronger attraction in C. sexmaculata than individual compounds, indicating a synergistic interaction. This attractive blend can thus be used to develop a kairomone-based lure to enhance biological control and to complement existing integrated pest management approaches against thrips in lemon agroecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2877 KB  
Article
Synergistically Better than One: Co-Application of Grasshopper-Derived +ssRNA Virus and Imidacloprid Induces Acute Toxicity in Locusta migratoria
by Sisi Li, Zehui Ding, Xinxin Chen, Weiyue Yang, Jianxin Dong, Yao Xu, Zhen Wang, Chuan Cao, Wangpeng Shi and Xinzheng Huang
Agriculture 2025, 15(23), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15232425 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 785
Abstract
Entomopathogenic viruses offer an eco-friendly biological approach for pest control, but their relatively slow action often limits practical applications. Synergistic interactions between insect viruses and chemical pesticides can amplify their control efficacy, reduce insecticide use, and thus alleviate associated risks. Here, we evaluated [...] Read more.
Entomopathogenic viruses offer an eco-friendly biological approach for pest control, but their relatively slow action often limits practical applications. Synergistic interactions between insect viruses and chemical pesticides can amplify their control efficacy, reduce insecticide use, and thus alleviate associated risks. Here, we evaluated the combined effects of the gomphocerinae permutotetra-like virus (GPV) and the neurotoxic insecticide imidacloprid against nymphs of Locusta migratoria. In toxicity tests, neither GPV nor imidacloprid alone caused mortality from acute toxicity after 12 h (<30%), but co-application led to marked acute synergistic toxicity, significantly increasing mortality to 87% within 12 h and 93% by 96 h. Importantly, histopathological examination revealed that the synergistic treatment caused severe midgut damage, such as disrupted or absent microvilli, extensive cellular debris in the gut lumen, cell detachment from the basal lamina, and apical displacement of nuclei. Furthermore, RNA-seq and biochemical analyses showed that the cotreatment aberrantly regulated key genes involved in peritrophic membrane integrity, substantially elevated immune responses, and disrupted energy homeostasis, which collectively led to death. These critical insights on the mechanisms underpinning the synergistic action of viral and traditional chemical agents underscore the potential of such integrated strategies to rapidly, effectively, and safely control pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 1064 KB  
Article
Pulse Width Modulation on the Droplet Spectrum and Velocity of Spray Nozzles
by Silviane Gomes Rodrigues, Guilherme Sousa Alves and João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da Cunha
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1830; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171830 - 28 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
Pulse width modulation (PWM) allows for the real-time flow rate adjustment of spray nozzles without changing system pressure, indicating that PWM is a promising technology for improving the quality of pesticide applications. However, its effect on the droplet formation process is not yet [...] Read more.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) allows for the real-time flow rate adjustment of spray nozzles without changing system pressure, indicating that PWM is a promising technology for improving the quality of pesticide applications. However, its effect on the droplet formation process is not yet fully understood. In this study, the effects of a PWM system on the droplet spectrum and velocity generated by different flat fan hydraulic nozzles were evaluated. The experiment was conducted via a spray simulator to test the impact of PWM technology under various operational conditions and flat fan nozzle types (standard, pre-orifice, and air inclusion). With the aid of a real-time particle analyzer and high-resolution imaging, the following variables were analyzed: volume median diameter (VMD), relative span, droplet velocity, and the percentage of volume composed of droplets with a diameter smaller than 100 µm. Four simulated working speeds (1.1, 1.7, 2.8, and 3.9 m s−1), which were equivalent to four PWM valve duty cycles (35%, 42%, 71%, and 100%), respectively, were evaluated. The PWM system altered the droplet size, generally reducing the VMD in comparison to the conventional system. The relative span was not influenced by the PWM system’s duty cycle, although system activation increased droplet size heterogeneity in some nozzle types. The droplet velocity was generally slower using the PWM system in comparison with the conventional system, but higher duty cycles increased this parameter. Overall, the results of this study suggest that spray patterns are altered by PWM activation, and the traits of this behaviour depend on the spray nozzle type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1247 KB  
Article
Insecticide Resistance and Plant Virus Status of Bemisia tabaci on Soybean in Suzhou
by Qi Li, Yao Ji, He Du, Shufang Ma, Jifei Zhu, Dehui Zhu, Natalia A. Belyakova, Youjun Zhang and Xin Yang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101071 - 15 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2200
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a super pest that seriously endangers the development of the agricultural economy worldwide. To prevent and control B. tabaci, insecticides have been used for many years, which has inevitably led to increased tolerance to chemical agents. To [...] Read more.
Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a super pest that seriously endangers the development of the agricultural economy worldwide. To prevent and control B. tabaci, insecticides have been used for many years, which has inevitably led to increased tolerance to chemical agents. To elucidate the development of field resistance and more scientifically and efficiently control B. tabaci, in December 2024, we conducted bioassays on B. tabaci on soybeans in Suzhou, Anhui Province, using 14 insecticides. These fourteen insecticides, namely, abamectin, spinetoram, thiamethoxam, flupyradifurone, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, pyridaben, flonicamid, and emamectin benzoate, have multiple action sites and have all shown good control effects on B. tabaci. The results revealed that B. tabaci has developed high resistance to many insecticides and that some insecticides have even tended to fail, but B. tabaci is still sensitive to a small number of insecticides. Different biotypes of B. tabaci differ significantly in terms of insecticide resistance. We determined that the population of B. tabaci on soybean in Suzhou was the MED (Q) biotype. It carried the TYLCV virus, with a virus carrying rate of 60%, but did not carry ToCV or CCYV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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Review

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19 pages, 773 KB  
Review
Bioactive Compounds in Hawthorn Leaves (Crataegus spp.)—Extraction, Functionality, and Future Perspectives: From Waste to Wealth
by Akerke Kulaipbekova, Zhanar Nabiyeva, Elmira Assembayeva, Fuhang Song, Yufang Su, Kairat Bekbayev, Xun Zhu and Nasi Ai
Agriculture 2026, 16(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16030363 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1211
Abstract
The transition to a circular bioeconomy enhances the valorization of agricultural by-products. Hawthorn leaves (Crataegus spp.), generated in large quantities from orchard maintenance, represent a promising yet underutilized biomass. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes recent advances regarding their bioactive compounds, extraction methods, [...] Read more.
The transition to a circular bioeconomy enhances the valorization of agricultural by-products. Hawthorn leaves (Crataegus spp.), generated in large quantities from orchard maintenance, represent a promising yet underutilized biomass. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes recent advances regarding their bioactive compounds, extraction methods, and applications. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. The analysis reveals that hawthorn leaves are rich in polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, procyanidins), with their content often exceeding that found in fruits. Modern “green” extraction techniques (e.g., ultrasound- and microwave-assisted) demonstrate superior efficiency in recovering these thermolabile compounds compared to conventional methods. The broad spectrum of associated biological activities—including antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and insecticidal effects—underpins their potential in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods. Crucially, this review highlights the significant promise of hawthorn leaf extracts as a source for developing natural, plant-based biopesticides, aligning with sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management principles. To fully realize this “waste-to-wealth” potential, future research should prioritize the scaling of eco-friendly extraction, field trials for crop protection efficacy, and the standardization of extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Use of Pesticides—2nd Edition)
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