The August 2025 issue of Insect Molecular Biology presents a landmark Special Issue dedicated to RNA interference (RNAi) technologies in insect science:
Recent Insights into RNAi in Insect Biology and Pest Management. Curated by Guest Editor Prof. Umut Toprak, the issue brings together mechanistic insights, applied advances, and translational strategies that are shaping the next era of molecular pest management.
RNAi has come a long way since its discovery in Caenorhabditis elegans (roundworm) in 1998 and its first successful demonstration in insects later that same year in Drosophila melanogaster.. Once a tool mainly for gene silencing studies, RNAi is now maturing into a viable, next-generation platform for agricultural pest control. This Special Issue captures that transition—highlighting both the scientific milestones and the practical hurdles that still remain.
Several of the articles featured in this issue were born from presentations and collaborations initiated at the 2nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress (IMPPC2023), held in Orhangazi, Bursa, Türkiye. One of the highlights of that congress was a keynote lecture by Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig C. Mello, who underscored RNAi’s evolving role in entomology and its future impact on sustainable agriculture. Several of the articles in this Special Issue reflect the key challenges raised in Dr. Mello’s talk—including delivery efficiency, resistance development, and biosafety—by offering conceptual advances and practical solutions that bring RNAi technologies closer to field application.
The Special Issue includes eight contributions that span a range of insect taxa and RNAi delivery strategies. Two reviews stand out in particular: Koo and Palli (2024) offer a comprehensive analysis of molecular barriers affecting RNAi efficiency across insect orders, while Narva et al. (2025) explore tailored resistance management frameworks for RNAi-based products. Other articles address topics such as gut barrier permeability, systemic RNAi spread, and nanoparticle delivery—providing a roadmap for overcoming the key bottlenecks in field deployment.
With multiple sprayable RNAi-based biopesticides nearing commercialization, this Special Issue arrives at a critical time. It not only documents current advances but also outlines future priorities for regulators, researchers, and industry partners alike.
“This Special Issue reflects the coming-of-age of RNAi—not just as a research tool, but as a practical and scalable solution for 21st-century pest management.”
– Guest Editor, Professor Umut Toprak
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