Recent Discoveries in Host-Plant Resistance for Field Crop Insect Pests

Dear Colleagues,

An important component of integrated pest management (IPM) is the use of host–plant resistance, a heritable decrease in plant susceptibility to the pest. Insect-resistant crop varieties provide a valuable tool for growers that can benefit yield and lower costs associated with pesticide applications. Research on new varieties has identified resistance genes that confer one or more categories of resistance including antibiosis, antixenosis, and tolerance. In many cases, little is known regarding the phenotypic differences, for example, phytochemical or physical defenses. To advance this field, investigations can utilize genomic and metabolomic approaches that explore novel genes and proteins, altered biosynthetic pathways, and identify associated defense compounds. Similarly, new techniques may surpass τηε classical selection of resistant varieties, such as plant-mediated RNAi, to target specific genes in insects. Finally, studying the insect’s response to plant defenses can uncover mechanisms including behavioural changes or enhanced metabolism, which allow adaptation to the new varieties.

Dr. Ian Scott
Dr. Julien Saguez
Guest Editors

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