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Insects
Special Issues
New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation
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New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 11645

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fang (Rose) Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: arthropod structural biology; enzymology; stress signaling; xenobiotic adaptation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Shuqian Tan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology and MOA, Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
Interests: toxicology; chemical ecology; biological pest control
Dr. Timothy Walther Moural

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: structure biology; protein biochemistry; chemical ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the most evolutionally successful metazoans on earth, insects have developed remarkable adaptation to chemical signals and environmental stressors through perceiving and differentiating various chemical stimuli, mediating redox homeostasis, xenobiotic detoxification, host plant location, and developing resistance to pesticides. Recent advantages in molecular, genomics, genetics, epigenetics, protein chemistry, metabolomics, and chemical ecology significantly enhance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms and adaptive strategies in insect chemical adaptation. The aim of this Special Issue is to offer a comprehensive exploration of the latest breakthroughs in comprehending insect chemical adaptation. Exploring a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to consolidate knowledge that not only enriches our scientific understanding of these adaptive processes but also holds practical significance for precision pest management and the conservation of beneficial insect species.

Dr. Fang (Rose) Zhu
Dr. Shuqian Tan
Dr. Timothy Walther Moural
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • host–pathogen interactions
  • insect-mediated plant defense
  • biological pest control
  • pesticide resistance
  • plant secondary metabolites
  • xenobiotic adaptation
  • RNAi-based pest control
  • neurotoxicology
  • olfaction

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 5872 KiB  
Article
Acaricide Resistance Monitoring and Structural Insights for Precision Tetranychus urticae Management
by Said Kewedar, Qi-Ren Chen, Timothy W. Moural, Carah Lo, Elsie Umbel, Peter J. Forrence, Douglas B. Walsh and Fang Zhu
Insects 2025, 16(5), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050440 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a highly destructive and economically significant pest in agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental agroecosystems worldwide, including hop (Humulus lupulus) and mint (Mentha spp.) fields in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the [...] Read more.
The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a highly destructive and economically significant pest in agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental agroecosystems worldwide, including hop (Humulus lupulus) and mint (Mentha spp.) fields in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States. Repeated acaricide applications and rotations have led to widespread resistance, resulting in control failures. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of resistance to four different acaricides (bifenthrin, bifenazate, etoxazole, and abamectin) across 23 field-collected TSSM populations by integrating diagnostic bioassays, genetic screening for resistance-associated mutations, structural modeling, and molecular docking. Several kdr mutations and mutation combinations were detected in TuVGSC across all tested populations. The G132A in Tucytb was identified in 68.75% of hop and 40% of mint TSSM populations, while the I1017F in TuCHS 1 was found in 94% of hop and 100% of mint populations. Structural analysis revealed key interactions between acaricides and target proteins in both wild-type and mutant variants, providing novel insights into the functional impacts of these mutations. Our findings enhance the understanding of TSSM adaptation to acaricides among different crops, supporting the development of more effective resistance management strategies to mitigate economic losses in hops, mint, and other crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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19 pages, 6868 KiB  
Article
Functional Role of Odorant-Binding Proteins in Response to Sex Pheromone Component Z8-14:Ac in Grapholita molesta (Busck)
by Yuqing Luo, Xiulin Chen, Shiyan Xu, Boliao Li, Kun Luo and Guangwei Li
Insects 2024, 15(12), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120918 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 934
Abstract
The plum fruit moth (PFM), Grapholita funebrana, and the oriental fruit moth (OFM), G. molesta, are closely related fruit moth species that severely damage fruit trees in Rosaceae. Both species share common primary sex pheromone components Z8-12:Ac and E8-12:Ac. The secondary [...] Read more.
The plum fruit moth (PFM), Grapholita funebrana, and the oriental fruit moth (OFM), G. molesta, are closely related fruit moth species that severely damage fruit trees in Rosaceae. Both species share common primary sex pheromone components Z8-12:Ac and E8-12:Ac. The secondary sex pheromone components of PFMs consist of Z8-12:OH, Z8-14:Ac, and Z10-14:Ac, while those of OFMs include Z8-12:OH and 12:OH. Previous researchers have proved that the inclusion of Z8-14:Ac and Z10-14:Ac did not augment PFM catches but inhibited OFM catches in orchards in Europe, thereby maintaining the species-specificity of the PFM sex attractant. However, which of these components, Z8-14:Ac or Z10-14:Ac, plays the major role in inhibiting OFM attraction remains unclear. In the current study, electroantennogram (EAG) assays indicated that both OFM and PFM males exhibited a moderate EAG response to Z8-14:Ac and Z10-14:Ac. Rubber septa loaded with varying ratios of Z8-14:Ac (1% to 30%) or Z10-14:Ac (5% to 110%) combined with a constant dose of Z8-12:Ac and E8-12:Ac produced diverse trapping effects. Sex attractants containing Z8-14:Ac did not significantly affect the trapping of PFM males but drastically reduced the capture of OFM males, with the reduction reaching up to 96.54%. Attractants containing more than 10% of Z10-14:Ac simultaneously reduced the number of OFM and PFM males captured. Z8-14:Ac was indispensable for maintaining the specificity of sex pheromones. Fluorescence competitive binding assays of recombinant GmolPBP2 showed the lowest Ki value (0.66 ± 0.02 μM) among the PBPs/GOBPs from OFMs, suggesting that it is the most likely target for Z8-14:Ac. Molecular dynamic simulation and site-directed mutagenesis assays confirmed that the Phe12 residue, which forms a π–alkyl interaction with Z8-14:Ac, was crucial for GmolPBP2 binding to Z8-14:Ac. In conclusion, Z8-14:Ac is vital to the specificity of PFM sex pheromones inhibiting OFM attractants when added to Z8-12:Ac and E8-12:Ac. This could be potentially used to develop species-specific sex attractants for the PFM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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15 pages, 1947 KiB  
Article
Toxicity of Eight Insecticides on Drosophila suzukii and Its Pupal Parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae
by Huanhuan Gao, Yan Wang, Peng Chen, Ansheng Zhang, Xianhong Zhou and Qianying Zhuang
Insects 2024, 15(11), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110910 - 20 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
The pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) has been evaluated as a biological agent of Drosophila suzukii. Integrated pest management strategies mostly rely on combined application of multiple insecticides and natural enemies. This study assessed the toxicity of eight common insecticides against [...] Read more.
The pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) has been evaluated as a biological agent of Drosophila suzukii. Integrated pest management strategies mostly rely on combined application of multiple insecticides and natural enemies. This study assessed the toxicity of eight common insecticides against D. suzukii in fruit orchards and the effects of semilethal and sublethal doses on T. drosophilae. The eight insecticides had higher toxicities to D. suzukii larvae with lower LC50 values than those for adults. Adults and larvae showed high susceptibility to emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, lambda-cyhalothrin, abamectin, and sophocarpidine. The median lethal doses (LC50) of lambda-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid to T. drosophilae adults were 60.41 mg/L and 100.58 mg/L, higher than the toxicities of the other six insecticides. Applying chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, sophocarpidine, abamectin, azadirachtin, and spinetoram resulted in low toxicity to D. suzukii pupae. However, the exposure of D. suzukii pupae or larvae to these insecticides at semilethal and sublethal doses decreased the parasitism or eclosion rate of T. drosophilae. These results improve our understanding of the effects of insecticide residues on T. drosophilae development and provide a basis for the combined use of chemical and biological options for managing D. suzukii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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11 pages, 8273 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Star Polycation Nanocarrier for the Delivery of miR-184 Agomir and Its Impact on the Life History Traits of the English Grain Aphid, Sitobion avenae
by Cong Zhang, Guohua Wei, Linyuan Wu, Yunhui Zhang, Xun Zhu, Austin Merchant, Xuguo Zhou, Xiangying Liu and Xiangrui Li
Insects 2024, 15(6), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060459 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1208
Abstract
The investigation of genetics-based biopesticides has become a central focus in pesticide studies due to their inherent advantages, including species specificity, environmental safety, and a wide range of target genes. In this study, a mixture of miR-184 agomir and nanomaterial star polycation (SPc) [...] Read more.
The investigation of genetics-based biopesticides has become a central focus in pesticide studies due to their inherent advantages, including species specificity, environmental safety, and a wide range of target genes. In this study, a mixture of miR-184 agomir and nanomaterial star polycation (SPc) was used to treat the nymphs of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.). The life parameters of the aphids at various developmental stages were analyzed using an age–stage two-sex life table to assess the effect of miR-184 agomir on the experimental population. The results indicated that miR-184 agomir had a significant negative effect on four key life parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase, the finite rate of increase, the net rate of increase, and the mean generation time. The population prediction revealed a substantial reduction (91.81% and 95.88%) in the population size of S. avenae at 60 d after treatment with miR-184 agomir, compared to the control groups. Our findings suggest that the miR-184 agomir has the potential to reduce the survival rate and mean longevity of S. avenae, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for the development of an effective genetics-based biopesticide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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18 pages, 15723 KiB  
Article
Discovery of Novel Potential Insecticide-Resistance Mutations in Spodoptera frugiperda
by Yuhao Cai, Huilin Chen, Mengfan Hu, Xuegui Wang and Lei Zhang
Insects 2024, 15(3), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030186 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2783
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a worldwide agricultural pest that invaded China in 2018, and has developed resistance to multiple insecticides. The evolution of insecticide resistance is facilitated by mutations of target genes responsible for conferring resistance. In this study, amplicon [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a worldwide agricultural pest that invaded China in 2018, and has developed resistance to multiple insecticides. The evolution of insecticide resistance is facilitated by mutations of target genes responsible for conferring resistance. In this study, amplicon sequencing analyzed 21 sites in six resistance genes. In addition to known mutations, unknown variants were also found, including novel variants: F290C (ace-1 gene, 0.1% frequency), I1040T/V (CHSA gene, 0.1% frequency), A309T (GluCl gene, 0.1% frequency), and I4790T/V (RyR gene, 0.1% frequency). Additionally, molecular docking was employed to investigate the impact of the aforementioned new mutations on insecticide binding to proteins. The analyses indicated that the binding abilities were reduced, similar to the resistance mutations that were reported, implying these novel mutations may confer transitional resistance. This study may provide a foundation for understanding the functions of these novel mutations in the evolutionary processes that drive the emergence of insecticide resistance in this invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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16 pages, 1880 KiB  
Article
Mapping and Characterization of Target-Site Resistance to Cyclic Ketoenol Insecticides in Cabbage Whiteflies, Aleyrodes proletella (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
by Viola Müller, Frank Maiwald, Gudrun Lange and Ralf Nauen
Insects 2024, 15(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030178 - 6 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3947
Abstract
Cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella L., is an invasive hemipteran pest of cruciferous plants, particularly field brassica crops. Its importance has been increased over the last decade, particularly in European countries. The control of cabbage whiteflies largely relies on the application of synthetic insecticides, [...] Read more.
Cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella L., is an invasive hemipteran pest of cruciferous plants, particularly field brassica crops. Its importance has been increased over the last decade, particularly in European countries. The control of cabbage whiteflies largely relies on the application of synthetic insecticides, including tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives such as spiromesifen and spirotetramat (cyclic ketoenol insecticides), acting as insect growth regulators targeting acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In 2019, reduced efficacy against cabbage whiteflies of ketoenol insecticides at recommended label rates has been reported. Subsequently we collected field samples of A. proletella in different European countries and confirmed the presence of ketoenol resistance in laboratory bioassays. Reciprocal crossing experiments revealed an autosomal dominant trait, i.e., heterozygotes express a fully resistant phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing and assembly of ACC variants from resistant strains revealed the presence of an ACC target-site mutation, A2083V, as previously described and functionally validated in Bemisia tabaci (A2084V in A. proletella). Next, we employed a molecular genotyping assay to investigate the geographic spread of resistance and analyzed 49 populations collected in eight European countries. Resistance allele frequency was highest in the Netherlands, followed by Germany. Finally, we provide a proposal for the implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Insect Chemical Adaptation)
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