CRISPR/CAS9 mediated genome editing in insects: application in functional genomics and pest management

A potent strategy to manage agricultural pests and lessen harm to food production, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which precisely modifies the genome of insects and plants has created new possibilities. Traditional pest control methods have several disadvantages. The versatility, specificity, and user-friendliness of CRISPR/Cas9 make it a perfect tool for targeting crucial genes involved in the lifecycle of the insects, sex determination, resistance, and detoxification. This will contribute to the sustainable suppression or replacement of pest populations. Furthermore, by introducing, eliminating, or altering genes linked to susceptibility or resistance mechanisms, genomic modification techniques can be directly applied to crop plants to acquire resistance against pests. Heritable changes can now be made across generations through increasingly sophisticated CRISPR component delivery methods, including microinjection, transfection, and RNP delivery. To fully utilize this technology for agricultural pest management, however, off-target effects, ecological implications, and biosafety must be taken into account. The mechanisms, delivery systems, applications, scope, and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9 in creating a potent, sustainable, and eco-friendly method of controlling insect pests are highlighted in this review.