Jiamin  Wang , Yunchao  Huang

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 6   
Received: 26 Oct., 2024    Accepted: 26 Nov., 2024    Published: 03 Dec., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Maize is a critical staple crop, providing food security and supporting economies worldwide. However, the crop faces persistent threats from various pests, leading to significant yield losses and environmental damage. This study explores the mechanisms of maize resistance to major pests, encompassing conventional breeding strategies, biochemical defenses, genetic and molecular tools, and anatomical traits. A case study on Bt maize highlights its role as a breakthrough in pest resistance, delving into its development, mechanisms of action, and socioeconomic impacts. Additionally, integrative approaches combining genetic, agronomic, and biological practices are discussed to enhance pest resistance. Challenges such as resistance evolution, regulatory hurdles, and the need for sustainable solutions are examined. The findings underscore the necessity of continuous innovation in breeding techniques and integrative pest management to ensure long-term maize productivity and sustainability.

Maize pest resistance; Bt maize; Genetic breeding; Integrative pest management; Sustainable agriculture