A RECENT study by Chinese scientists has unveiled a new molecular target for the development of safe and efficient pesticides, presenting a promising solution to combat pesticide resistance in pests. The research outcomes were published in the latest issue of the academic journal Cell.

Citing data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) highlighted that crop pests are responsible for an estimated 40% reduction in global agricultural production, leading to economic losses exceeding US$220 billion annually.

Yang Qing, a researcher at the Agricultural Genomics Institute in Shenzhen (AGIS) under CAAS, said, “Reclaiming food from pests has become an increasingly arduous task.” Despite attempts at various pest control methods such as pesticide spraying, odor attraction, and introduction of natural enemies, the results have not been entirely satisfactory due to escalating pesticide resistance and high expenses.

“To effectively combat pests, we require pesticides tailored to target the unique structural features and physiological functions of pests. These environmentally safe and highly efficient pesticides are commonly referred to as green pesticides,” Yang explained.

The crux of developing targeted pesticides lies in pinpointing suitable molecular targets—specific biological molecules or proteins at the molecular level that pesticides can act upon, directly influencing the biological activities of pests, Yang added.

Under Yang’s leadership, the research team has uncovered a distinctive protein known as the ABCH transporter, responsible for lipid transportation to the insect cuticle, essential for the formation of the insect’s lipid barrier. This ABCH protein, associated with pesticide resistance in pests, is ubiquitous in all insects and arthropods but absent in humans, other mammals, and plants, rendering it an ideal molecular target for pesticide development, noted the researchers.

The study revealed a unique interaction mechanism between the ABCH transporter, lipid molecules, and insecticide molecules. The researchers successfully identified a small molecule inhibitor capable of restraining the transport function of ABCH and pinpointed effective ingredients directly applicable in producing green pesticides.

This research signifies a notable breakthrough in the fields of entomology and pesticide target studies, laying a critical groundwork for developing green pesticides.(Xinhua)