Manipulating insect sex is a promising pest control strategy: from theory to application

BACKGROUND: Insect sex manipulation has emerged as a transformative approach in sustainable pest management. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying insect sex determination and their application in artificial sex manipulation, offering novel strategies for natural enemy breeding and pest control. RESULTS: We systematically examine key technologies enabling artificial sex manipulation, with a focus on the development of genetic sexing strains (GSS) through approaches such as the release of insects carrying dominant lethal genes (RIDL), RNA interference (RNAi), incompatible insect technique (IIT) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Through critical analysis of successful applications in controlling fruit flies and mosquitoes, we demonstrate the practical efficacy of these technologies, identify key research priorities, and propose strategic optimizations. CONCLUSION: These advancements pave the way for next-generation pest control strategies characterized by precision, efficiency, and ecological sustainability, marking a significant leap forward in integrated pest management (IPM). © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.