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Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2026 | Viewed by 11734

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rui Pang

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Guest Editor

College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510651, China
Interests: adaptive evolution; insecticide resistance; plant–herbivore interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural pests have posed a significant challenge to global food security, with their adaptive evolution and resistance mechanisms complicating integrated pest management strategies. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in understanding these complex dynamics, focusing on research that addresses the adaptive evolution of pests in terms of pesticides, plant resistance, and other pest management strategies. We seek original research articles and reviews that contribute to the understanding of pest resistance mechanisms, the role of adaptive evolution in pest populations, and innovative approaches to overcoming these challenges. By showcasing the latest scientific findings, this issue aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inform future pest management practises.

Dr. Rui Pang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

pest management
adaptive evolution
pesticide resistance
metabolic resistance
target site mutation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 10740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Candidate Odorant-Binding Proteins for Semiochemical Control of the Mulberry Thrips Pseudodendrothrips mori

by Delong Guan, Jing Song, Yue Qin, Lei Xin, Xiaodong Li and Shihao Zhang

Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090882 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026

Abstract

Agricultural pests can rapidly adapt to chemical pressures, and expression-based surveys of chemosensory genes may not fully capture the associated genomic variation. We hypothesized that the molecular profiles of chemosensory and detoxification genes in the mulberry thrips Pseudodendrothrips mori Niwa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are associated with local genomic variability and methylation context alongside transcript abundance. To explore this, we integrated PacBio HiFi-derived single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), structural variants (SVs), DNA methylation, and RNA-seq data on a chromosome-level reference genome. We analyzed 179 focal genes from six families, applying a consensus prioritization framework—based on weighted percentiles of feature values, principal component distances, and anomaly-detection scores—to rank the candidates. The integrated priority score correlated positively with SNP (r = 0.603) and SV burden (r = 0.632) and negatively with local methylation (r = −0.524), whereas its correlation with expression was weaker (r = 0.427). Three OBPs—PSMOgene01223, PSMOgene012530, and PSMOgene012982—emerged among the highest-priority candidates, exhibiting favorable in silico docking scores (−5.038 to −6.792 kcal/mol) with (Z)-octadec-11-enyl acetate and a long-chain oxygenated acetate. These findings indicate potential linkages between multi-omics plasticity and chemosensory gene variation. Furthermore, these computationally prioritized OBPs suggest potential targets for exploring semiochemical-based management tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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15 pages, 2333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cultivar Identity and Spider Mite Herbivory Shape Rhizosphere Bacteria in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

by Ivy N. Thweatt, Muhammad Saleem, Junhuan Xu, Simon Zebelo and Olufemi S. Ajayi

Agronomy 2026, 16(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16060651 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 363

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an important crop, yet little is known about how herbivory and soil microbial communities interact to influence plant performance. In this study, two hemp cultivars, BaOx and Cherry Citrus, were grown under identical greenhouse conditions and exposed to naturally occurring background populations of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Plant traits were measured, and rhizosphere soil was sampled for 16S rRNA gene sequencing to compare bacterial community composition and diversity between cultivars. Spider mite injury was assessed using a standardized 0–5 visual damage scale commonly applied in integrated pest management studies. Although the cultivars did not differ significantly in growth traits, Cherry Citrus experienced significantly less spider mite damage than BaOx, suggesting greater tolerance or resistance to herbivory under shared conditions. Rhizosphere bacterial communities differed markedly between cultivars despite identical soil and environmental conditions. BaOx rhizospheres were enriched in Actinobacteria, including taxa associated with decomposition and antimicrobial compound production, whereas Cherry Citrus rhizospheres were enriched in Alphaproteobacteria, particularly nitrogen-cycling and root-associated taxa such as Rhizobium and Reyranella. Alpha diversity metrics did not differ between cultivars; however, beta diversity analyses revealed significant cultivar-level separation, particularly in phylogenetic community structure. Because herbivore pressure and microbial communities were not experimentally manipulated, this observational study identifies ecological associations rather than direct causal relationships. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that hemp cultivar identity is associated with distinct rhizosphere microbiomes and differential susceptibility to spider mite damage. These findings highlight the potential for integrating cultivar selection and microbiome-informed strategies into sustainable pest management programs for hemp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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12 pages, 2140 KB

Open AccessArticle

Function of the Resistance Gene CYP4G75 in the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Control via Nanoscale RNA Pesticides

by Longyu Yuan, Yu Deng, Jinxuan Wang, Yanfang Li, Yangshuo Dai, Zhenfei Zhang, Guanghua Liu and Hanxiang Xiao

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030367 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 545

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive migratory pest of global concern that infests a wide range of crops, particularly maize, as well as rice and sugarcane, causing substantial economic losses in China. Since its invasion of China, S. frugiperda has experienced prolonged insecticide selection pressure, resulting in the accelerated evolution and increasing prevalence of resistance to specific insecticides. This study aimed to elucidate the role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) gene families in mediating resistance to chlorantraniliprole and to evaluate the efficacy of nanoparticle-mediated delivery systems combined with P450-specific synergists for controlling S. frugiperda. Toxicity bioassays conducted on field populations demonstrated that chlorantraniliprole still retained considerable insecticidal activity. Analyses of three detoxification enzyme activities revealed a significant elevation in cytochrome P450 activity, and expression profiling of candidate CYP genes was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Exposure to chlorantraniliprole resulted in a 2.53-fold upregulation of CYP4G75 expression. Furthermore, nano-agrochemical formulation assays showed that the combined application of LDHs-dsCYP4G75 and chlorantraniliprole exerted a significant synergistic effect, increasing mortality by 21.99% compared with either treatment applied alone. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into P450-mediated resistance and offers a promising strategy to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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11 pages, 1739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic and Behavioral Impacts of Gustatory Receptor NlGr23 Silencing in the Brown Planthopper

by Kui Kang, Jie Zhang, Renhan Fang and Jun Lü

Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081797 - 25 Jul 2025

Viewed by 792

Abstract

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is the most destructive insect pest of rice. BPH infestations severely threaten rice yield worldwide. The gustatory receptor NlGr23 plays a critical role in mediating the repulsive reaction to oxalic acid of the BPH. We integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to determine the metabolic and behavioral consequences of NlGr23 silencing. The RNAi-mediated knockdown of NlGr23 increased body weight and honeydew production, indicating enhanced feeding activity. The results of multiomics profiling revealed disrupted lipid homeostasis, identifying 187 differentially expressed genes and 150 differentially expressed proteins. These genes were enriched in pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and AMPK signaling. The results of biochemical assays showed that NlGr23 silencing elevated triacylglycerol levels by 68.83%, and reduced glycerol and free fatty acid levels, suggesting impaired lipolysis. The NlGr23 loss-of-function mutation mechanistically activates the AMPK pathway, suppresses lipid breakdown, and promotes energy storage. This study established NlGr23 as a key regulator linking chemosensation to metabolic reprogramming, providing new insights into gustatory receptor-mediated energy homeostasis in the BPH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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13 pages, 1768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insecticidal Effect of Lemongrass Essential Oil Against Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall)

by Yun Han, Ming Zhu, Bo Qiu, Shaukat Ali and Jianhui Wu

Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071733 - 18 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4769

Abstract

Megalurothrips usitatus is a global pest damaged legume crops, particularly cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil (LEO) and its insecticidal activity against the insect pest M. usitatus. The composition of lemongrass essential oil was analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). D-limonene, Neral, and Citral were found to constitute over 30% of the essential oil. LEO exhibited higher insecticidal toxicity than the individual pure components. Based on our results, the optimal formulation of LEO emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) was identified, and their insecticidal activity was further investigated. The mortality rate induced by the LEO did not significantly differ from that of the emamectin benzoate (EB) formulation but was lower than that of spinosad (SP). Additionally, LEO was shown to act as a synergist when combined with EB for controlling M. usitatus. This research offers an alternative strategy for controlling M. usitatus and reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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15 pages, 2862 KB

Open AccessArticle

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of PxPGRP4 Influences Midgut Microbial Homeostasis and Immune Responses in Plutella xylostella

by Shuzhong Li, Xiaoxia Xu, Dongran Fu, Mingyou Liu, Congjing Feng and Fengliang Jin

Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061294 - 25 May 2025

Viewed by 1147

Abstract

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are essential for innate immune recognition and regulation from insects to mammals. However, the specific role of PGRPs in responding to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) infection and maintaining midgut microbial homeostasis in Plutella xylostella remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized a PGRP gene from P. xylostella, designated PxPGRP4. The spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that PxPGRP4 is predominantly expressed in the midgut of naïve larvae and at adult stages. A homozygous mutant strain featuring a four-base pair nucleotide deletion was successfully generated through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of PxPGRP4. The bioassay results indicated that the susceptibility of P. xylostella larvae to Cry1Ac protoxin was significantly increased by the loss of PxPGRP4 expression. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR analysis revealed that the PxPGRP4 mutants exhibited a significantly reduced total bacterial load and altered microbiota composition in the midgut compared to the wild-type strain, with a shift in the dominant bacterial family from Enterobacteriaceae to Enterococcaceae. Additionally, the knockout of PxPGRP4 resulted in significant alterations in the expression of midgut immune-related genes. These findings highlight the crucial role of PxPGRP4 as a modulator of midgut microbiota and immune responses and provide valuable insights into Bt resistance management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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15 pages, 5083 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda Reveals Stage-Specific Gene Expression and P450-Mediated Adaptation Mechanisms

by Ziqi Cheng, Zhe Huang, Bin Yan, Xing Huang and Yang Mei

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123054 - 21 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range and adaptability, posing challenges to pest management worldwide. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning their development and resilience, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis across nine developmental stages, spanning from the first instar larvae to adult forms. Utilizing differential expression analysis and time-series clustering, we identified 6834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), uncovering key stage-specific expression patterns. Notably, 3072 stage-specific genes (SSGs) were defined using the Tau index, highlighting their roles in development and physiological adaptation. Functional enrichment revealed that the sixth instar stage prioritizes pathways related to growth and tissue remodeling, while adult males emphasize reproductive and sensory functions. Furthermore, we characterized 104 cytochrome P450 (P450) genes, showcasing distinct temporal expression patterns critical for detoxification and metabolic processes. A tandem array of P450 genes on chromosome 13 was identified, suggesting a coordinated mechanism enhancing insecticide resistance. Our findings highlight the complex genetic regulation that facilitates the developmental transitions and adaptive capabilities of S. frugiperda. These insights offer potential molecular targets for innovative pest management strategies aimed at mitigating the widespread impact of this pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Evolution and Resistance Mechanisms in Agricultural Pest Management)

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