Global expansion, insecticide resistance, and the future of integrated pest management for Megalurothrips usitatus : A comprehensive review

Megalurothrips usitatus (bean flower thrips) has transitioned from a tropical Asian pest into a global threat to legumes, particularly cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Driven by climate warming and trade, its recent expansion across the Americas causes 20%-30% yield losses and sometimes leads to crop failure. Heavy reliance on chemical control has rapidly selected for multi-class insecticide resistance. This review synthesizes current research on the pest's biological traits, invasion ecology, cryptic diversity, and the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to spinosyns, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. Our review also evaluates integrated pest management strategies, ranging from cultural controls to RNAi biotechnologies, while addressing the critical challenges of laboratory-to-field translation. Finally, we propose key research priorities, including intelligent monitoring, localized resistance management, and synergistic control packages, to provide a sustainable framework for global legume protection and biosecurity policy.