Towards sustainable management of Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): combining resistance, cultural, biological, and chemical approaches-a comprehensive review

Towards the sustainable control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) in cruciferous crops: current trends, resistance mechanisms, and future frontiers

Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.) is one of the most damaging pests of cruciferous crops, causing significant economic losses in multiple agri-food production systems globally. The high reproductive potential of DBM, rapid adaptability to diverse ecological zones, and resistance to several synthetic insecticides destabilize their integrated pest management (IPM) efforts. Here, we critically synthesize the current knowledge on DBM research across key IPM thematic areas, including biocontrol, insecticide use, phytochemistry interactions, insect-associated microbiomes and insecticide resistance, as well as the impact of climate alterations. This review has emphasized the importance of evidence based on insecticide applications, which have encouraged the development of resistance and are not sustainable for use in insect population management. However, the availability of other options for biocontrol agents, such as parasitoids, predators, entomopathogens, and host-plant resistance, has also been significant and sustainable for the management of DBM population. Apart from this, the effects of climate fluctuation have increased the spread of DBM population, which has also necessitated the use of adaptive strategies for its management, such as advanced pest surveillance systems, genome editing, and climate resilient cropping systems for breeding resistance to the pest. Despite significant technological advancements, key research gaps remain, including a limited understanding of DBM interactions with phytopathogens, as well as the socio-economic and policy-related barriers that hinder the adoption of IPM. Hence, future goal for DBM control would be implementing robust, sustainable, eco-friendly, and technology-driven approaches to reduce the development of resistance to conventional insecticides and achieving maximum control effects. Future approaches should focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, farmer awareness, and policy support to improve sustainable DBM management. In conclusion, our review provides practical information for improving IPM strategies against DBM populations, ensuring food security, and developing long-term resilience of plant production systems under increasing ecological and climate change pressures.

Thrips (Thysanoptera) Associated with Economically Important Crops and their Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Review

Thrips (Thysanoptera) are among the most destructive insect pests of agricultural and horticultural crops worldwide due to their wide host range, rapid reproduction, cryptic feeding behaviour and ability to transmit several plant viruses. Important species such as Thrips tabaci, Thrips palmi, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Frankliniella schultzei and the invasive species Thrips parvispinus infest cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals causing severe yield and quality losses. Both adults and nymphs feed by lacerating plant tissues and sucking cell contents, resulting in silvering, bronzing, leaf curling, flower shedding and fruit scarring. The spread of invasive species and increasing insecticide resistance have intensified management challenges. Sustainable thrips management requires integrated pest management (IPM) combining cultural, mechanical, biological, behavioural, biotechnological and quarantine measures with judicious insecticide use. This integrated approach suppresses pest populations, conserves natural enemies, delays resistance development, minimizes environmental risks and ensures sustainable crop protection.

Toward Sustainable Management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A Review on the Role of Endophytic Fungi in Crop Protection

Overall, several fungal species successfully colonized plant tissues and reduced FAW performance through increased larval mortality, delayed development, and reduced feeding, and effects were associated with the production of bioactive secondary metabolites, induction of plant defense responses, and alteration of volatile organic compound emissions.

Biology, distribution, and management of the polyphagous invasive pest Thrips parvispinus (Karny): implications for crop protection

Sustainable Control Strategies for Thrips in Agricultural Crops: A Review

Sustainable farming faces an ongoing challenge from thrips, which are widespread agricultural pests that cause severe crop damage and spread harmful plant viruses. The overuse of chemical pesticides has backfired, leading to pest resistance, leaving toxic residues in the soil, and harming beneficial organisms, highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives for thrips management. Using biological controls offers a reliable path forward by capitalising on the natural interaction between predatory insects and plant-derived compounds. Beneficial organisms, such as Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mites) and minute pirate bugs, work alongside a variety of parasitoids to control thrips populations naturally. Furthermore, microscopic allies such as beneficial nematodes and specialised fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) can be deployed to target pests at vulnerable points in their life cycles. Turning to botanical sprays, such as tobacco and neem-derived azadirachtin, also allows farmers to reduce dependency on synthetic chemical treatment. Combining these biological agents and botanical extracts into a unified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) model helps growers protect their crop yields, reduce chemical footprints, and build long-term agricultural resilience.

Botanical Acaricides for Sustainable Management of Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in Okra: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, has become an important constraint in okra cultivation due to its ability to multiply rapidly and cause serious damage to foliage. Infestation often results in reduced photosynthetic activity, poor plant vigour, and significant losses in yield and marketable quality, particularly under warm and dry conditions. Continuous reliance on synthetic acaricides has resulted in several challenges, including resistance development, pesticide residues, resurgence of pest populations, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms. These concerns have encouraged researchers to explore environmentally safer alternatives for mite management. This review critically examines published information on plant-derived acaricides and their potential role in managing T. urticae in okra-based production systems. Findings from studies conducted in India and other countries indicate that neem-based products, garlic-chilli extracts, karanja oil, tulsi extracts, and several essential oils possess significant acaricidal, repellent, and growth-regulating properties. Evidence generated from field investigations conducted under the doctoral research programme of Singh at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, indicated that NSKE 5%, azadirachtin 0.03%, and neem oil were among the most promising botanical options for suppressing Tetranychus urticae populations under field conditions. Unlike many conventional acaricides that primarily target a single physiological pathway, botanical products influence mite populations through several complementary mechanisms, including direct toxicity, feeding inhibition, reproductive suppression, interference with growth and development, reduction in fecundity, and oviposition deterrence. Their comparatively lower toxicity to natural enemies enhances their suitability for incorporation into integrated pest management programmes. Although several promising results have been reported, challenges related to formulation standardisation, field persistence, and large-scale adoption still need to be addressed. Future efforts should focus on improving formulation technology, validating performance across diverse agro-climatic conditions, and promoting farmer awareness. Overall, botanical acaricides offer a promising component of sustainable and residue-conscious mite management strategies in okra cultivation.