Prospects for the management of insect pests in the genomic era
Author of the article: PENG Lu1, 2, 3** HE Wei-Yi1, 2, 3 XIA Xiao-Feng1, 2, 3 XIE Miao1, 2, 3 KE Fu-Shi1, 2, 3 YOU Shi
Author's Workplace：1. Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; 2. Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fuzhou 350002, China; 3. Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Fujian and Taiwan, China Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou 350002, China; 4. Department of Botany, University ofBritish Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Key Words： insect genome, co-evolution, immunity, insecticide resistance, pest management
Abstract： The rapid development of DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics has resulted in an increase in genomic studies of insects. Better knowledge of population genetics and evolutionary ecology has allowed better understanding of the local/global adaptation and infestation mechanisms of key agricultural pests, thereby providing novel strategies and approaches for the implementation of integrated pest management (IMP) in a safe, cost-effective and sustainable manner. Genome information has been released for approximately 30 insect species annually over the past two years. Genomic-related studies of agricultural insect herbivores generate a great deal of important data, and reveal the mechanisms underlying the genetic variation, strategic adaptation, and the population dynamics, of these pests. Such studies, in conjunction with the general principles and methods of classical genetics, ecology and evolution, have facilitated the development of novel technology and tools for pest management. This article is an overview of progress in research on insect genomic researches, co-evolution, the interactive mechanisms between plants and herbivores, molecular mechanisms of insect immunity and resistance to insecticides, as well as the development of new techniques for pest management. We believe that this review updates existing information and provides sound prospects for improving the strategies and tactics currently employed in ecologically-based pest management.