Genomic and RNA-Based Strategies for Next-Generation Insect Pest Management: From Target Discovery to Functional Control

Advances in genomics and RNA-based technologies are reshaping strategies for insect pest management by enabling the identification and exploitation of molecular vulnerabilities that were previously inaccessible to conventional control approaches. High-quality genome assemblies, transcriptomic resources, and functional genomics tools now allow the systematic discovery and validation of genes essential for insect development, physiology, and adaptation to stress. In parallel, RNA-based interventions, particularly RNA interference, have emerged as powerful methods for selectively modulating gene function, offering unprecedented specificity and opportunities for reduced non-target effects. However, the successful translation of these approaches into effective pest control solutions requires a mechanistic understanding of target function, delivery, persistence, and resistance evolution. Integrating genomic information with RNA-based strategies therefore represents a critical step toward the development of next-generation pest management tools that are both biologically informed and operationally viable.Despite major advances in insect genomics and RNA-based technologies, their contribution to pest management remains uneven, with many studies providing descriptive or short-term outcomes that fall short of functional or translational relevance. A key challenge is the lack of integration between genomic discovery, rigorous functional validation, and evaluation of control potential under biologically meaningful conditions. The goal of this Research Topic is to promote high-quality research that addresses this gap by combining robust genomic analyses with experimentally validated RNA-based strategies targeting insect pests. Contributions are expected to demonstrate clear mechanistic insight, sound experimental design, and relevance to pest biology, including effects on fitness, development, behavior, or adaptability. Particular emphasis is placed on studies that assess delivery efficiency, specificity, durability of responses, and resistance-related processes. By prioritizing work that advances understanding beyond proof-of-concept and situates RNA-based interventions within a broader biological framework, this Research Topic aims to define realistic pathways for developing next-generation, genomically informed pest management approaches.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and methodological studies that advance genomic and RNA-based approaches for insect pest management through functional and mechanistic insight. Relevant themes include functional genomics for target discovery and validation; RNA interference and other RNA-based technologies for gene silencing; delivery strategies and stability of RNA molecules; molecular and physiological responses of insects to RNA-based interventions; and resistance-related processes associated with genomically informed control strategies. Studies combining genomic analyses with experimental validation, comparative approaches across insect species, or interdisciplinary perspectives linking molecular biology and pest management are particularly encouraged. Descriptive genomic or transcriptomic studies are considered within scope when they provide clear biological interpretation, generate testable hypotheses, or contribute meaningfully to the identification of targets or mechanisms relevant to insect pest control. All submissions should demonstrate methodological rigor and clear relevance to insect pest biology. Topic editors: Camilo Ayra-Pardo, Dandan Li Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79181/genomic-and-rna-based-strategies-for-next-generation-insect-pest-management-from-target-discovery-to-functional-control