Environmental contaminants and insects: Genetic strategies for ecosystem and agricultural sustainability

Insects, with their vast biodiversity and essential ecological roles, are crucial to agriculture, textile production, and environmental stability. As pollinators, decomposers, and bioindicators, they support ecosystem functions and human industries. Their short generation time, high reproductive rates, and genetic adaptability make them valuable models for studying human diseases like cancer. However, contaminants pose significant threats to industrially important insects, impacting ecosystems and industries alike. Excessive pesticide use disrupts ecological balance, contributing to the global decline of insect populations. Understanding how contaminants affect insect physiology is critical for assessing their broader implications on agriculture, food security, and biodiversity. This interdisciplinary review integrates entomology, genetics, and environmental science to explore these impacts. Additionally, it examines the potential of genetic interventions to mitigate contaminant-induced harm, ensuring the sustainability of insect-mediated services. To safeguard these vital species, a comprehensive approach that integrates conservation and sustainable utilization strategies is essential.