Editorial: Insect Physiology Aspects of Environmentally Friendly Strategies for Crop Pests and Invertebrate Vector Control, Volume II

Marcelo Salabert Gonzalez ^1,2 Guenter Artur Schaub ³ Norman Arthur Ratcliffe ⁴ Ana Claudia A Melo ^2,5*

• ¹ Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• ² National Institute of Science and Technology - Molecular Entomology, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Brazil
• ³ Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• ⁴ Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
• ⁵ Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The articles featured in this second volume explore innovative and sustainable strategies for controlling insect pests and disease vectors, drawing on a deep understanding of insect physiology. The studies presented here encompass a wide range of techniques, from the use of natural control agents (biocontrol) to advanced molecular tools aimed at managing insect populations. Each strategy explores aspects of the survival, morphology, behavior, and physiology of the insect models studied, intending to develop environmentally safe solutions that reduce reliance on chemical agents both in agriculture and in the control of disease vectors, thereby minimizing environmental impact.The study by Vivekanandhan et al. (https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1357411) demonstrates the effectiveness of the natural oil, Cajeput, as a control agent against Anopheles stephensi, one of the malaria vectors. The study revealed that Cajeput oil has larvicidal properties, acting by directly inhibiting the carboxylesterase and acetylcholinesterase enzyme systems of A. stephensi larvae. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that there are no significant toxicity risks to non-target species, such as the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Based on the results obtained, the authors suggest replacing the widely used chemical agents in malaria mosquito control with essential oils as a correct, natural, and eco-friendly alternative for controlling malaria incidence. Through transcriptomic analysis, the authors identified 15 OBPs from this species. They also observed sex-dependent differences in gene expression after exposure to odors from Spodoptera litura-infested tobacco plants. These results suggest that some OBPs play a pivotal role in detecting herbivore-induced plant volatiles. Based on this, it is possible to develop pest management strategies that attract beneficial predators.Research by Sankar et al. (https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1476259) reports on the combination of diflubenzuron, an insect growth regulator that interferes with chitin synthesis, with verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, in order to control Aedes aegypti.The results show that this combination enhances the effectiveness of diflubenzuron by reducing adult emergence while having no harmful effects on non-target organisms.This indicates a safer and more sustainable approach to mosquito population control by developing targeted and eco-friendly strategies for managing Ae. aegypti populations more effectively. The studies presented here reveal the growing body of knowledge related to environment friendly approaches that can be used for pest and vector management. By integrating innovative biocontrol techniques, molecular tools, and the physiological aspects of insect survival, this volume represents a significant step toward more effective and ecologically sound insect control strategies.Research in the field of entomology and insect physiology must continue to be funded so that we can expand our knowledge and develop more sustainable methodologies for controlling pest insects and disease vectors, aiming to achieve ecological balance and the health of all living beings on Earth.