Integrated Pest Management: An Update on the Sustainability Approach to Crop Protection

Abstract

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerged as a pest control framework promoting sustainable intensification of agriculture, by adopting a combined strategy to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while improving crop productivity and ecosystem health. This critical review synthesizes the most recent advances in IPM research and practice, mostly focusing on studies published within the past five years. The Review discusses the key components of IPM, including cultural practices, biological control, genetic pest control, and targeted pesticide application, with a particular emphasis on the significant advancements made in biological control and targeted pesticide delivery systems. Recent findings highlight the growing importance of genetic control and conservation biological control, which involves the management of agricultural landscapes to promote natural enemy populations. Furthermore, the recent discovery of novel biopesticides, including microbial agents and plant-derived compounds, has expanded the arsenal of tools available for eco-friendly pest management. Substantial progress has recently also been made in the development of targeted pesticide delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions and controlled-release formulations, which can minimize the environmental impact of pesticides while maintaining their efficacy. The Review also analyzes the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of IPM adoption, showcasing its potential to promote biodiversity conservation and ensure food safety. Case studies from various agroecological contexts demonstrate the successful implementation of IPM programs, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches and effective knowledge exchange among stakeholders. The Review also identifies the main challenges and opportunities for the widespread adoption of IPM, including the need for transdisciplinary research, capacity building, and policy support. In conclusion, this critical review discusses the essential role of IPM components in achieving the sustainable intensification of agriculture, as it seeks to optimize crop production while minimizing adverse environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Figure 1

Key components of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Figure 2

High-resolution crystal structure of TcAANAT0 in complex with acetyl-CoA at a 2.84 Å resolution. (a) The asymmetric unit reveals the hexameric arrangement of TcAANAT0 in the crystal lattice. (b) A single TcAANAT0 monomer is shown with bound acetyl-CoA, illustrating the enzyme–substrate complex. (c) Close-up view of the TcAANAT0 active site with acetyl-CoA bound. The unbiased Fo–Fc electron density map, contoured at 3σ and shown in green, confirms the position of acetyl-CoA within the active site. TcAANAT0 is depicted in magenta, acetyl-CoA in orange, and hydrogen bonds are indicated by black dashed lines. (d) An intermolecular π-stacking interaction is observed between the acetyl-CoA molecule and Phe-166 residue across two adjacent TcAANAT0 molecules at the crystal packing interface. The two interacting TcAANAT0 molecules are colored in magenta and teal, while the acetyl-CoA molecules are shown in orange and blue. Reprinted with permission from ref (98). Copyright 2020 American Chemical Society.

Figure 3

Dose–response curves illustrating herbicide resistance evolution in Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass) populations after two generations of low-dose herbicide selection. Curves represent shoot fresh weight (% of untreated control) for susceptible (POP1-S, blue) and initially resistant (POP2-IR, red) biotypes treated with (a) fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, (b) imazethapyr, and (c) a mixture of both herbicides. Shifts in curve positions between generations indicate rapid evolution of resistance profiles under sublethal herbicide exposure. Reprinted with permission from ref (110). Copyright 2023 Elsevier.

Figure 4

Progression of lesion diameter 5 days postinoculation with strain B21 under preventative and curative droplet treatment regimens. Error bars indicate standard deviation. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments are denoted by different letters. Scale bar represents 10 mm. Reprinted with permission from ref (127). Copyright 2020 Elsevier.

Figure 5

Schematic representation of BNNP functionalization with MPTMS and PEG to create BNNP:PEG/MPTMS composite nanocarriers for pesticide delivery. These nanocarriers exhibit high loading capacity, pH-responsive controlled release, enhanced leaf adhesion, and UV-blocking properties. Functionalized BNNPs self-assemble into interconnected nanochannels with three distinct orientations: horizontally stacked parallel channels vertically stacked tortuous channels and inclined stacked twisted channels. These diverse nanochannel configurations facilitate pesticide release and transport through multiple pathways. Reprinted with permission from ref (146). Copyright 2020 Elsevier.

Figure 6

IPM concepts and IPM programs and their potential benefits. For IPM concepts and applications to have an impact in pest control, there is need to develop successful IPM programs that can generate benefits including upscaling and sustainability on the social, economic, and environmental levels. Furthermore, the strength of the IPM programs at the end depends on the strength of the development of novel IPM components.