Molecular Perspectives on Biotech-Based Biopesticides and Transgenic Approaches for Insect Pest Management

Abstract

Control of insect pests has been revolutionized by the strength of biotechnology with the emergence of biopesticides and transgenic crops having high molecular specificity against target insects and low dependence on traditional chemical insecticides. Biotech-based biopesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, RNA interference (RNAi) molecules, and viral diseases interfere with fundamental physiological and genetic processes in insect pests. Transgenic plants like Bt-expressing and RNAi-releasing crops offer long-term, in planta pest control with enhanced sustainability. The existing molecular understanding of mechanism of action, delivery platforms, resistance mechanisms, and environmental impacts for these technology alternatives in this review is integrated. Recent advances in formulation chemistry, nano-delivery platforms, and gene editing offer hopeful avenues toward maximizing efficacy and delaying the development of resistance. Molecular monitoring and integrated resistance management are critical in ensuring long-term success. Last but not least, new technologies such as synthetic biology and CRISPR-based gene drives possess disruptive potential for targeted pest control. Integrating these molecular technologies with integrated pest management systems with a generic architecture will be the secret to sustainable agriculture and world food security.