Work

Where do all the pests go? Understanding the genomic mechanisms of crop pest dynamics during the off-season

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Agroecosystems provide abundant resources to insects. However, throughout the off-season, insects must overcome resource shortages and adverse climates to survive. This off-season persistence affects pest infestations in subsequent crops or seasons. Key pest species employ diapause, migration, and local-scale dispersal to persist during the off-season. Genomic approaches have advanced our understanding of these survival mechanisms. Clock genes regulate the circadian rhythm and interact with neuropeptides and downstream pathways, such as insulin-like peptides and hormonal factors–like ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones that regulate diapause. Migrant insects must manage processes like energy metabolism, oogenesis, and flight orientation. Local-scale dispersal requires mechanisms to locate, select, and exploit the most suitable host and habitat for survival and reproduction during the off-season. Here, we present advances in genomic research on pest survival during the off-season, focusing on diapause, migration, and local-scale dispersion. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for developing and optimizing effective integrated pest management programs. • Understanding pest off-season persistence is crucial to pest management. • Diapause is a developmental arrest to persist in unfavorable conditions. • Migration is a purposeful and intentional movement to escape harsh conditions. • Local dispersal between habitats enables pests to survive during the off-season. • Off-season genomics offers opportunities to develop pest management strategies.

Source: Current Opinion in Insect Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2025.101340

Authors: Frederico Hickmann, Megan E Meuti, Andrew P Michel, Alberto S Corrêa

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Physiological and biochemical adaptations

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,610