Fusion protein based strategies for developing insect-resistant crops

Abstract Insect pest control in crop production incurs substantial economic costs annually on a global scale. Although broad-spectrum chemical pesticides were once considered the most effective solution, their overreliance has led to adverse effects on beneficial insects, human health, and the environment, as well as the development of pesticide-resistant insect populations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative pest management strategies that minimize pesticide use and reduce unintended impacts on natural enemies, thereby maintaining ecological balance. Host plant resistance plays a pivotal role in integrated pest management (IPM). However, developing pest-resistant varieties through conventional breeding methods can be time-consuming and challenging due to the involvement of multiple quantitative traits controlled by various genetic loci. One promising biotechnological approach is the development of fusion proteins, engineered molecules that combine the functional properties of two or more distinct proteins. These fusion proteins effectively target specific insect pests while minimizing environmental impact. Importantly, they overcome key limitations of single-gene constructs, including narrow target range and rapid resistance development. Numerous fusion proteins have been successfully developed and deployed in various crop plants, demonstrating their versatility and broad-spectrum activity against major insect pests. This review discusses fusion protein technologies and their application in developing transgenic crops with enhanced resistance to insect pests.