Insect Physiological Responses to Natural and Synthetic Xenobiotics

Xenobiotics have been considered as chemicals to which insects are exposed that are extrinsic to their normal metabolic processes. Many xenobiotics, including the natural plant allelochemicals and synthetic insecticides, would reach lethal or sublethal dose/concentration to target pests and nontarget insects. Normally, xenobiotics lead to physiological responses of target pests for detoxification (tolerance and/or resistance), which may cause further nontarget effects on insect communities within the same agroecosystem, such as natural enemies and pollinators. For example, some metabolic enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and esterases, and their functions to promote the detoxification of pests, have been well documented. Furthermore, nontarget insects are also exposed to natural and synthetic xenobiotics, resulting in unpredictable outcomes. Xenobiotics have been shown to cause negative, and sometimes positive effects in the development and reproductivity of nontarget insects. Hence, deciphering insects’ physiological responses could contribute to promoting integrated pest management and minimizing the negative effects on non-target insects.

This Research Topic on “Insect physiological responses to natural and synthetic xenobiotics” aims to improve our understanding of physiological and defensive mechanisms of responses to natural and synthetic xenobiotics for pest control. In this research topic, we hope to put together a collection of cutting-edge studies centering on this important question, and to provide with better understandings on 1) how allelochemicals and insecticides work on insect individuals; 2) how insects develop tolerance or resistance to allelochemicals and pesticides over time; 3) how xenobiotics influence non-target insects; and 4) how to minimize the negative impacts on beneficial insects (e.g. natural enemies and pollinators etc.) upon xenobiotic application.

We welcome investigators to submit Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Methods and Perspective articles covering potential sub-topics that include, but are not limited to:
1. The function of plant metabolites in defense against insect pests.
2. Detoxification processes mediating insect tolerance to allelochemicals.
3. Molecular mechanisms of insect tolerance to allelochemicals.
4. Biochemical mechanisms of insect metabolic resistance to insecticides.
5. Molecular mechanisms of insect resistance to insecticides.
6. Nontarget effects of xenobiotics against predators or parasitoids of insect pests.