Global food security faces mounting pressures due to population growth and climate change, exposing the severe limitations and adverse consequences of over-reliance on chemical pesticides. The development of pest resistance, environmental damage, and associated health risks necessitate a fundamental shift in plant protection strategies. This critical review explores the scientific foundations of the "post-pesticide" era, proposing that the solution lies not in a singular alternative but in building a resilient, integrated defense system. The article analyzes two main axes: the first is harnessing biological forces, including classical and submerged biocontrol, microbial pesticides (fungal, bacterial, viral), and semiochemicals for behavioral manipulation. The second axis explores precise molecular techniques, such as RNAi technology for gene silencing and CRISPR. CRISPR-Cas9 for developing sterile insects, microbiome engineering, and early molecular diagnostics. The review emphasizes that the true potential lies in the synergy between these approaches, with innovative integration models enhancing overall efficacy—such as using RNAi to increase pest susceptibility to biopesticides. Despite existing regulatory, economic, and ecological challenges, the article concludes that the future lies in overcoming these barriers through the adoption of precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and developing customized solutions for each agricultural ecosystem, paving the way for effective and sustainable insect pest management.
Altofan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: