Precision Molecular Entomology: CRISPR, RNAi and Multi-Omics Paradigms for Next-Generation Pest Management

Abstract

Application of molecular biology in entomology has rendered pest control specific, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. In this review, advances in the molecular techniques applied to the characterization of insect biology, behavior, and plant-insect interactions with particular focus on the laying down of the platform for the integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics into agriculture pest science are outlined. Important molecular mechanisms like detoxification enzyme systems, target-site mutation, RNAi, and CRISPR–Cas genome editing are discussed in the context of their possible application towards the development of new-age pest management technologies. The possibilities for manipulation of symbionts, molecular diagnosis, and omics-based monitoring of resistance as a tool for future paradigms in IPM are highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on laboratory advances to field use in the industry, since molecular activity is being taken out of the lab and into field-realized pest management. Through an emphasis on the synergy among multi-omics data, bioinformatics, and gene-targeted equipment, molecular agricultural entomology can predict pest invasion, break resistance development, and diminish chemical pesticide use. This transdisciplinary approach can promote crop protection with reduced environmental footprint, bringing with it the promise of precision pest management in a dynamic agroecosystem.