The evolution of insecticide resistance in pests has become a critical challenge restricting the sustainable development of global agriculture. Compared with target-site resistance and metabolic resistance, cuticular penetration resistance is an early-stage resistance strategy adopted by insects to defend against insecticides with contact action. It primarily reduces the efficiency of insecticide penetration through the insect’s outer barrier and its delivery to the target site. On one hand, it decreases the amount of insecticide that penetrates; on the other hand, it prolongs the detoxification time of the insecticide within the body, thereby enhancing the resistance effect. This mechanism often synergizes with other resistance mechanisms. This systematic review summarizes the latest research progress on the cuticle-mediated mechanisms of insecticide resistance in pests. It focuses on the molecular basis underlying the formation of cuticular penetration resistance, the key regulatory networks, and its evolutionary characteristics. Future perspectives are also discussed, aiming to provide new insights for pest resistance management strategies.

To screen microbial resources for the control of tomato late blight caused by pathogen Phytophthora infestans, strains with strong antagonistic activity were isolated from soil using the plate confrontation method. Their taxonomic status was determined using integrating morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, combined with the 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. The antifungal activity, action mechanisms, and control effect of the antagonistic strains were investigated via the mycelial growth inhibition method, spore germination assay, and pot experiment. The results showed that a total of 11 strains exhibited antagonistic activities against P. infestans. Among these antagonistic strains, strain C-21 exhibited the highest mycelial growth inhibition rate of 84.41%, and it was identified as Streptomyces flavogriseus. This strain could produce extracellular enzymes including cellulase, protease and amylase. Its fermentation broth could disrupt the mycelial morphology and cell membrane integrity of P. infestans, and significantly inhibited spore germination and zoospore release, with inhibition rates of 69.31% and 57.94%, respectively. The preventive and curative control effects of strain C-21 against tomato late blight were 43.57% and 59.28%, respectively. These findings indicated that strain C-21 had an excellent control effect on tomato late blight, and exhibited promising biocontrol potential for further development and application.

To clarify the species composition and community characteristics of weeds in soybean fields across Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a comprehensive and systematic investigation was conducted on weed species and community structure at 32 sampling sites in major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia, and the community diversity and similarity were also analyzed. The results showed that a total of 63 weed species belonging to 57 genera in 21 families were found in the major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia. The 21 families include Asteraceae family (nine genera and 14 species), Poaceae (11 genera and 11 species), Fabaceae (six genera and six species), and Polygonaceae (five genera and five species), Rosaceae (three genera and four species), Amaranthaceae (three genera and three species), Convolvulaceae (three genera and three species), Malvaceae (three genera and three species), Lamiaceae (two genera and two species), and the remaining 12 families including Plantaginaceae, Solanaceae, and Equisetaceae (each represented by one genus and one species). Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli showed relatively high abundance, making them the dominant weeds in the major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia. The Oroqen Autonomous Banner of Hulunbuir City exhibited the highest weed species richness, Simpson dominance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices, with values of 44, 0.918, and 3.030, respectively. The Songshan District of Chifeng City exhibited the highest Pielou evenness index of weed communities, at 0.846. The weed communities in the seven major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia could be classified into six groups. Among them, the weed community structures in Songshan District of Chifeng City and Horqin District of Tongliao City were clustered into one group with the highest similarity, while the weed community structures of remaining five major soybean producing regions each formed an independent group.

To clarify the types, distribution, and morphological characteristics of peripheral sensilla in female oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine sensilla on the antennae (funiculus), maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, wings, and ovipositor. The results revealed that five types of sensilla were mainly distributed across six organs: microtrichia, sensilla trichoid, sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla chaetica. Microtrichia were distributed on the antennae, maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, and wings. Notably, three subtypes (I-III) were observed on the legs, and those on the wings were longer than those on the antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscis. Sensilla trichoid were distributed on the antennae, proboscis, and ovipositor, with distinct morphological differences between those on the antennae and those on the other two organs. Sensilla basiconica were found on the antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscis. Two subtypes (I and II) were present on the antennae and three subtypes (I-III) on the proboscis. Pores were observed on the surface of sensilla basiconica on the antennae and maxillary palps, but not on the proboscis. Sensilla coeloconica were located on the antennae and ovipositor, with two subtypes (I and II) on the ovipositor, among which subtype I exhibited a symmetrical distribution. Sensilla chaetica were distributed on the maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, wings, and ovipositor, displaying similar morphology across organs, with three subtypes (I-III) identified on the legs. These results indicate that sensilla on different external organs of B. dorsalis differ in their distribution, type, and morphology, suggesting that these sensilla may perform distinct biological functions.

To identify effective fungicides for the control of gray mold in quinoa Chenopodium quinoa, the inhibitory effects and in vitro toxicity of 12 fungicides against pathogen Botrytis cinerea were determined. Two fungicides with different modes of action were selected for combination, and the optimal volume ratio and formulation of the combined fungicides were determined. The efficacy of the combined fungicides against gray mold in quinoa was comprehensively evaluated through in vitro leaf tests, in vitro pot experiments and field trials. The results showed that pydiflumetofen, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin had significant in vitro toxicity against B.cinerea, with EC₅₀ values of 0.49, 0.39, 0.09 and 0.03 μg/mL, respectively. When the volume ratio of pydiflumetofen to tebuconazole was 4∶6 and 5∶5, it showed a synergistic effect, with toxicity ratios of 1.49 and 1.37, respectively. When the mass ratio of pydiflumetofen and tebuconazole was 9∶2, the synergistic effect was optimal, and the synergistic coefficient was 2.85. After treatment with high and medium concentrations of the combined fungicides, the protective and treatment effect on in vitro leaves were 94.97%-97.18%, and the protective and treatment effect of indoor pot experiments were 71.45%-82.01%. The field control effects of the high and medium concentrations of the compound fungicides were 87.77% and 79.91%, respectively, which were higher than other treatments, and could significantly increase the yield of quinoa. It was indicated that the field recommended concentration of 200 g/L pydiflumetofen suspension concentrate (SC) and 430 g/L tebuconazole SC at a mass ratio of 9∶2 (200 μg/mL pydiflumetofen + 44.4 μg/mL tebuconazole and 160 μg/mL pydiflumetofen + 35.6 μg/mL tebuconazole) could not only effectively control gray mold in quinoa, but also significantly increase quinoa yield.

To clarify the migration pathways of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda in eastern China and the mechanisms by which Typhoon Hagupit influenced its migration patterns, the developmental stages of the typhoon were categorized based on the position of its center into the pre-typhoon stage and the typhoon stage. The latter included four periods: pre-landfall, landfall, post-departure with the center located west of 135° E, and post-departure with the center located east of 135° E. Based on adult population monitoring data of S. frugiperda and meteorological data in eastern China before and after the typhoon, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale numerical simulations, Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) backward trajectory analysis, and statistical analyses were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms by which the typhoon affected the migratory pathways of S. frugiperda. The results showed that Typhoon Hagupit significantly influenced the hourly migration distance and direction of S. frugiperda. Compared to the pre-typhoon period, the strong southerly winds generated by the typhoon drove the moths to form a south-to-north migratory pathway across eastern China, increased migration speed, and shifted the migration direction from west-northwest to north. When the typhoon center was located over inland East China, the overall migration speed of S. frugiperda reached its maximum, with a peak of 22.93 m/s, and the highest directional concentration of 0.84 was observed. These results indicate that typhoons can promote long-distance migration of S. frugiperda in eastern China. Therefore, population monitoring and early warning during typhoon events should be strengthened, and a regional integrated pest management system should be established.

To clarify the relationship between transgenic Cry rice and resistance to the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, proteins with insecticidal activity against N. lugens were screened using an artificial diet supplemented with proteins, and their toxicity was determined. Transgenic rice containing the corresponding insecticidal proteins was then used to feed N. lugens to verify its insecticidal activity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the concentrations of Cry proteins in stems of transgenic rice, in diets supplemented with different Cry proteins, and in N. lugens after feeding on these stems and diets. The results showed that feeding on artificial diets containing Cry2A, Cry1Ah, Cry1F, and Cry1Ba significantly reduced the survival rate of N. lugens. The LC₅₀ values of Cry1Ah, Cry1F, and Cry1Ba against N. lugens were 95.41, 13.89, and 559.7 mg/L, respectively. Feeding on transgenic rice KF6 (containing Cry1Ac and CpTi genes), TT51-1 (containing Cry1Ac/Cry1Ab genes), and ZLSAH10 (containing Cry1Ah gene) had no significant effect on survival rate, but the body weight of female adults fed on TT51-1 was significantly reduced compared to the control. Cry proteins were be detectable in N. lugens after one day of feeding on an artificial diet containing 100 mg/L Cry protein, and their accumulation increased with increasing feeding concentration and duration. The Cry protein concentrations in stems of transgenic rice TT51-1 and ZLSAH10 did not differ significantly among the three growth stages, while those in KF6 differed significantly among stages. After feeding on transgenic Cry rice at different growth periods for 15 d, Cry proteins were detectable in N. lugens, accounting for approximately 0.1% of those in rice stems, but the variation trend of Cry protein concentration in N. lugens was not consistent with that in rice stems.

To systematically investigate the differences in predation capacity and control efficiency of predatory ladybirds against aphids under different conditions, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate predation at different aphid densities, environmental temperatures, and predator density gradients. The data were fitted with Holling’s disc equation and models of interference and competition. The results showed that the functional responses of Harmonia axyridis to Aphis gossypii, Aphis glycines, Aphis sophoricola, and Chaitophorus populeti all conformed to Holling type II functional response. Among the tested aphid species, H. axyridis exhibited the strongest predation capacity and control efficiency against C. populeti, with a theoretical maximum daily predation of 500.00 individuals, whereas its control efficiency against A. sophoricola was the weakest, with a theoretical maximum daily predation of only 90.91 individuals. The predation capacity of H. axyridis against A. glycines increased with temperature within the range of 21-33 ℃ and reached a maximum at 33 ℃, after which it declined at higher temperatures. Moreover, the fourth-instar larvae of H. axyridis exhibited higher control efficiency against A. glycines than adult females. Increasing predator density intensified intraspecific competition in H. axyridis populations; although total predation increased, the mean predation per individual decreased significantly with increasing predator density, indicating that predation efficiency was constrained by density-dependent interference. Compared with H. axyridis, Adonia variegata showed stronger predation capacity against A. sophoricola. With increasing aphid density, the searching efficiency of both species declined. These results indicate that predatory ladybirds have strong predation potential against aphids, and their functional responses and predation efficiencies are influenced by aphid species, temperature, and the intensity of intraspecific competition, with notable differences among ladybird species.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Streptomyces zaomyceticus XFS-4 induces soybean resistance to the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, soybean variety Heihe 43 was used as the experimental material. Seeds were treated with XFS-4 fermentation broth and inoculated with H. glycines, and RNA-seq was performed to analyze transcriptional changes. The results showed that HiSeq^TM 2500 sequencing of soybean root samples from four treatment groups yielded a total of 78.66 Gb of clean data, from which 1 633 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs in the XFS-4 treatment group were specifically enriched in pathways related to the regulation of nitrogen compound metabolism, regulation of macromolecule metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in the XFS-4 treatment group and the control group were mapped to 95 and 102 metabolic pathways, respectively. Notably, DEGs in the treatment group were significantly enriched in pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction, and biosynthesis of cofactors. These findings suggest that S. zaomyceticus XFS-4 may induce soybean resistance to H. glycines by regulating these specific metabolic pathways and biological processes.

To clarify the adaptability of bacterial pathogen Pectobacterium parvum to its vector insect Drosophila melanogaster, flies were recolonized with P. parvum via artificial feeding, and the colonization and survival capabilities of P. parvum and its closely related species in D. melanogaster were compared using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that within seven days after feeding D. melanogaster with bacteria-containing glucose solution, the colonization capability of P. parvum in D. melanogaster was comparable to that of P. brasiliense, with a relative bacterial load reaching 8.00, and evidently higher than those of P. parmentieri, P. polaris and P. polonicum. Additionally, P. parvum could achieve efficient vertical transmission via D. melanogaster eggs, with a transmission efficiency significantly higher than that of other closely related species. The relative bacterial load in second-generation larvae reached 8.44, far higher than that of other Pectobacterium species. Furthermore, P. parvum significantly suppressed the expression of key genes in the host Imd immune pathway, including PGRP-LE and Relish, whereas P. polaris significantly induced the expression of these immune genes. These results indicate that P. parvum exhibits significantly stronger adaptation to D. melanogaster than its closely related species, which is closely associated with its strong in vivo colonization capacity, efficient egg-mediated vertical transmission, and significant suppression of key genes in the host Imd immune pathway.