Current Opinion in Insect Science - Special issue - Insect Genomics (2026)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/103VG940PTF

Special issue
Insect Genomics (2026)Last update 11 August 2025Genetic biocontrol is an emerging form of biological control in which genetic variants or genetically modified forms of a target species act as the agents of suppression or modification. These strategies harness modern molecular tools to reduce or eliminate populations of harmful organisms, or to alter their capacity to transmit pathogens. For example, genetic biocontrol approaches targeting insects and arthropods can: 1. Enhance agricultural productivity and food security by mitigating crop losses caused by pests. 2. Reduce risks to public and veterinary health by limiting the spread of vector-borne diseases. 3. Promote biodiversity conservation by alleviating pressure from invasive species. The recent convergence of robust transgenic technologies, RNA-guided DNA endonucleases (e.g., CRISPR-Cas systems), and synthetic biology innovations has rapidly transformed genetic biocontrol from a niche discipline into a mainstream research frontier. Once largely theoretical, the field now commands widespread attention, with experimental systems demonstrating efficacy across agricultural, public health, and ecological contexts. This section will focus on the concepts, strategies, and challenges of implementing genetic biocontrol in the field, while broadening the scope to include: ● Population genetics and evolutionary dynamics that shape long-term efficacy. ● Mathematical and computational modeling to forecast ecological outcomes. ● Field studies and trial design that bridge laboratory success to real-world deployment. ● Social, ethical, and regulatory considerations that influence adoption and governance. By bringing together advances across these domains, the section aims to showcase the latest developments in genetic biocontrol research, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and highlight opportunities to adapt these technologies for broader applications in agriculture, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Guest Editors:

• Yoosook Lee
• Omar Akbari