Speakers - 2026

Title: From genes to fields: Integrating plant molecular biology with ecological pest management for sustainable crop protection

Abstract

Rapid advances in plant molecular biology and biotechnology have significantly enhanced our understanding of plant defense mechanisms against herbivorous insects and other pests. Breakthroughs in genomics, transcriptomics, RNA interference (RNAi), and gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas systems have enabled the identification and manipulation of key genes involved in plant resistance, offering promising avenues for crop protection. However, despite these scientific gains, the translation of molecular innovations into effective, scalable, and sustainable pest management strategies under field conditions remains limited. This keynote explores the critical interface between molecular plant science and ecological pest management, highlighting the need to move beyond reductionist approaches toward integrated, systems-based solutions. It highlights how plant defense pathways- including induced resistance, secondary metabolite production, and signaling networks- interact dynamically with insect behaviour, population ecology, and environmental variables. Drawing on extensive experience in entomology and integrated pest management (IPM), the presentation emphasises the importance of aligning molecular tools with ecological principles to achieve durable pest suppression. The talk further examines the role of emerging biotechnological interventions- such as RNAi-based pest control, genetically engineered crops, and molecular diagnostics- in strengthening IPM frameworks. It critically evaluates their opportunities and constraints, particularly in the context of pest adaptation, non-target effects, regulatory challenges, and farmer adoption. Case studies from diverse agroecosystems will be presented to demonstrate how combining host plant resistance, biological control, habitat management, and molecular innovations can enhance resilience and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. Ultimately, this keynote advocates for a transdisciplinary approach that bridges laboratory discoveries with field realities, integrating molecular biology, insect ecology, and agronomic practices. Such convergence is essential for developing sustainable crop protection strategies capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change, emerging pest threats, and global food security demands. The presentation calls for strengthened collaboration among molecular biologists, entomologists, agronomists, and policymakers to ensure that scientific advancements translate into practical solutions that benefit both farmers and ecosystems.

Keywords: Plant Molecular Biology, Integrated Pest Management, Plant-Insect Interactions, RNA Interference, Sustainable Crop Protection.