*Result*: Good stress in good 'bugs'? pesticide-mediated stress in natural enemies.
Title:
Good stress in good 'bugs'? pesticide-mediated stress in natural enemies.
Authors:
Ullah F; Institute of Bio-Interaction, Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou, China.; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China., Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi G; Plant Quarantine Division, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic resources, Regional Station, Hyderabad, China., Li X; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China., Sarangi S; Department of Entomology, Odisha University of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, India., Gul H; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China., Guedes RNC; Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil., Desneux N; Université Côte d'Azur, INRAE, CNRS, UMR ISA, Nice, France., Lu Y; Institute of Bio-Interaction, Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou, China.; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
Source:
Pest management science [Pest Manag Sci] 2026 Feb; Vol. 82 (2), pp. 1228-1238. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Nov 19.
Publication Type:
Journal Article; Review
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Published for SCI by Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 100898744 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1526-4998 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 1526498X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Pest Manag Sci Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Original Publication: West Sussex, UK : Published for SCI by Wiley, c2000-
MeSH Terms:
References:
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Grant Information:
2023R5249 Zhejiang High-level Talents Special Support Program; 2024SSYS0105 Key R&D Program of Zhejiang
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: hormesis; nontarget organisms; pest resurgence; pesticide stress; sublethal exposure
Substance Nomenclature:
0 (Pesticides)
0 (Insecticides)
0 (Insecticides)
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20251120 Date Completed: 20260111 Latest Revision: 20260111
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1002/ps.70384
PMID:
41261782
Database:
MEDLINE
*Further Information*
*Exposure to sublethal stressor concentrations, which do not result in mortality, can trigger hormetic responses that enhance growth, reproduction or survival in both primary pest species and their secondary competitors, potentially contributing to the development of insecticide resistance and pest outbreaks. Hormesis, a dose-dependent biphasic response characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition, has garnered increasing attention in entomology and acarology owing to its significant implications for pest management and ecosystem service provision. By contrast, hormesis in natural enemies, such as pathogens, parasitoids and predators, can enhance their biological control performance under specific conditions. Although these responses may offer short-term benefits, they also introduce trade-offs and potential long-term risks. The underlying mechanisms of hormesis include hormonal modulation, stress-induced activation of cellular repair pathways and enhanced detoxification processes. Despite its significance, our understanding of hormesis in ecologically important insects and mites remains limited, with critical knowledge gaps regarding species-specific responses, the influence of environmental factors such as temperature and nutrition, and the long-term ecological consequences of repeated low-dose exposures. Furthermore, the interaction of multiple stressors, such as pesticide mixtures and abiotic factors such as climate change, remains poorly understood in the context of hormetic responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of hormesis, its ecological implications, and the development of predictive models to assess its effects across various ecosystems. Integrating hormesis into pest management strategies could optimize pesticide use while minimizing adverse effects on beneficial organisms. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing ecological resilience, safeguarding populations of beneficial organisms, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of environmental and anthropogenic challenges. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
(© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.)*