Microbiome based insect pest management

Abstract

Insects host diverse microbiomes comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms-that play vital roles in nutrition, immunity, development, and adaptation. Conventional pesticides, while effective, often promote resistance, harm non-target species, and cause environmental damage. In contrast, microbiome-based strategies present precise and eco-friendly alternatives by manipulating microbial partners to suppress pests or enhance beneficial insect traits. Advances in metagenomics and synthetic biology enable the identification and exploitation of insect-associated microbes with biocontrol potential. For instance, Wolbachia can be engineered or introduced to alter host reproduction and reduce vector populations such as mosquitoes. High-throughput sequencing further uncovers novel candidate microbes whose bioactive compounds or genomes may be harnessed for pest suppression or sterility induction. Symbiosis, encompassing mutualistic, commensal, and amensal interactions, underpins these associations and is fundamental to ecosystem functioning. Collectively, these approaches represent a paradigm shift toward sustainable pest management rooted in the hidden potential of insect–microbe interactions.