Spatiotemporal Pest Control: Research, Development and Risk Assessment

With the advancement of pest control science, controlled-release pesticide technologies have progressed significantly at both molecular and formulation levels. Photopharmacology has introduced the concept of spatiotemporally precise pest management by light. Meanwhile, environment-responsive formulations, such as systems triggered by pH, temperature, or enzymes, have been extensively studied. These stimulus-responsive technologies enable sustained release at target sites, offering potential to improve the physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and bioavailability of active pesticide ingredients, thereby enhancing pest control efficiency. Given the rapid development of these emerging technologies, there is an urgent need for corresponding pesticide risk assessments, particularly regarding their impact on non-target organisms and the environment under spatiotemporal controlled-release conditions. Furthermore, these technologies provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms, especially insect neurobiology and behavior, thus opening new avenues for research in insect physiology and ecology.

This Research Topic will feature original research articles on stimulus-responsive technologies for pest control, pesticide discovery, pesticide toxicity, and insecticidal mechanisms. Particular emphasis will be placed on the discovery of small active molecules (rather than repellents) that are sensitive to light or other stimuli. Novel formulations, such as nano-pesticides designed to revolutionize pest management and enhance pesticide efficiency, will also be addressed. Studies on pesticide toxicity and residual risk assessment associated with these new modes of pest control are strongly encouraged. We welcome contributions in the areas of synthetic chemistry, pesticide management, insect neurobiology, insect behavior, insect physiology, and ecology.

We encourage the submission of original research and review articles that help advance frontier technologies in pest science. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: synthesis, preparation, functionalization, bioactivity, mechanisms of action, toxicity and risk assessment, and new methodologies. Studies focusing on field trials and insect chemical ecology are also welcome.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Pest control, Insect behavior, Insect neurobiology, Pesticide discovery, Pesticide toxicity and residual risks, Ecological regulation, Smart agriculture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.