The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Plant Pests

This Special Issue, "Biology, Ecology, and Management of Plant Pests," presents nine contributions (eight articles and one editorial) showcasing cutting-edge advances across three integrated dimensions. Biology covers the molecular basis of chemosensory systems-such as odorant receptors and binding proteins in the soybean pod borer-and the physiological toxicity and molecular response mechanisms of plant essential oils against stored-grain pests like the maize weevil. Ecology explores multi-trophic interactions and environmental adaptation, including the thermal plasticity of parasitoid wasps, plant pollinator volatile signaling in blueberries, microbiome dynamics of scale insects under varying infestation levels, and microbe-mediated kairomone systems where gut bacteria-derived ethyl palmitate in noctuid larval frass attracts parasitoids. Management focuses on practical tools and strategies, spanning species-specific molecular diagnostics for pest thrips identification using COI-PCR assays, and the comprehensive environmental risk assessment of RNAi-based transgenic cotton on non-target predators like lady beetles through multi-pathway exposure and transcriptome analysis. Collectively, these studies advance interdisciplinary, sustainable pest management frameworks.