Molecular Entomology, 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 39-49 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 44 Figure 2 Spatial distribution of studies on the use of remote sensing in the monitoring of insect pests (Adopted from Mpisane et al., 2025) In addition, molecular ecological methods have also provided new tools for pest monitoring. Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection can determine the presence and abundance of target pests by collecting DNA fragments in soil, air or water, and using specific primers PCR. Population dynamics models and information decision-making systems have become powerful tools for predicting pest conditions. By integrating biological parameters (development rate, reproductive potential, mortality rate, etc.) with weather data, agricultural operations and other factors, and establishing mathematical models (such as logistic growth models, age structure models or artificial neural network models), it is possible to simulate and predict the population trends of pests in the future (Lawton et al., 2022). 5 Ecological Factors Affecting the Adaptive Evolution and Species Dynamics of Herbivorous Insects 5.1 Ecological effects of agricultural management measures Agricultural management measures not only change the ecology of herbivorous insect populations, but also drive their adaptive evolution. Intensive monoculture and unreasonable use of pesticides tend to simplify the ecosystem, intensify evolutionary pressure, and make pests more likely to break out and evolve resistance (Ziesche et al., 2024). In contrast, diversity management and ecological strategies can inhibit over-adaptation and outbreaks of pests by enhancing system homeostasis and buffering effects (Wyckhuys et al., 2024). Therefore, in order to delay resistance and population replacement, it is necessary to support the promotion of insect-resistant varieties with a "planting resistance management" strategy, such as reasonable rotation and stacking of resistance genes, mixed planting of multiple varieties, etc., to reduce the long-term monopoly of the environment by a single resistance gene (Carrière et al., 2020). In addition, an integrated pest management (IPM) model such as agronomy + biology + chemistry is also adopted to reduce pest damage while protecting ecological service functions. 5.2 Ecological driving role of natural enemies and biological control measures Natural enemies play an important regulatory role in herbivorous insect populations in agricultural ecosystems and are regarded as "natural plant protection forces". Biological control measures that make full use of natural enemies not only directly suppress the number of pests, but also drive the behavior and adaptive evolution of pests (Wyckhuys et al., 2024). The presence of natural enemies significantly reduces the frequency and peak of pest outbreaks (Dofuor et al., 2024). Natural enemy pressure can also drive pests to produce behavioral and morphological adaptations. It is worth noting that the widespread application of biological control may exert selection pressure on pest populations, prompting them to evolve resistance or avoidance behavior to biological control factors (Gould et al., 2018). Natural enemies and biological control measures can also enhance ecological resilience at the entire agricultural ecological level. Diverse natural enemy communities not only control single pests, but also provide an "insurance" effect against multiple potential pests (Tooker and Giron, 2020).
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