Unveiling the Genetic Symphony: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Effective Insect Pest Management

Abstract

Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants.

Research Progress on Plant Responses to Stress Combinations in the Context of Climate Change

“…Nanomaterials can enhance plant resistance by enhancing ROS-activated stress signaling pathways, regulating the expression of defense genes and stomatal status, increasing the efficiency of PSII response centers, and stress-training plants to enhance resistance [ 38 , 82 , 83 ]. Genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 are also important tools for studying plant responses to stress combinations [ 84 ], which allow editing of the genome in a highly accurate way to obtain desired traits [ 85 ], and have been successfully applied to a wide range of plants such as cereals [ 86 ] and fruit trees [ 87 ], as well as to pest management [ 88 ].…”

Influence of Biochar on Soil Insect Dynamics and Infestation

“…Their interactions within the soil ecosystem contribute significantly to the overall health and functionality of terrestrial environments [16]. However, disturbances in soil health, induced by factors such as land-use changes, pollution, and climate variations, can disrupt the delicate equilibrium of soil-dwelling insect populations, potentially leading to ecological imbalances and decreased agricultural productivity [17][18][19][20][21][22]. This chapter aims to delve into the intricate nexus between biochar applications, soil health, and soil-dwelling insects.…”