Fusion protein based strategies for developing insect-resistant crops

Marri Keerthana; Morthala Shankara Sai Reddy; Yogesh Dashrath Naik; Arindam Pal; Anil Namdev Kale; Satish Kumar Singh; Sudha Nandni; K. Premalatha; Murukarthick Jayakodi; Venugopal Mendu; Manish K. Pandey; Somashekhar Punnuri; Rajeev K. Varshney; Mahendar Thudi

doi:10.1007/s10142-026-01861-9

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Fusion protein based strategies for developing insect-resistant crops

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Fusion protein based strategies for developing insect-resistant crops

Marri Keerthana, Morthala Shankara Sai Reddy, Yogesh Dashrath Naik, Arindam Pal, Anil Namdev Kale, Satish Kumar Singh, Sudha Nandni, K. Premalatha, Murukarthick Jayakodi, Venugopal Mendu, …

Functional & integrative genomics, Vol.26(1), 77

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10142-026-01861-9

PMID: 41912951

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Abstract

Fusion proteins

Insect resistance

Transgenic crops

Single gene constructs

Scorpion toxins

Spider venom

Insect pest control in crop production incurs substantial economic costs annually on a global scale. Although broad-spectrum chemical pesticides were once considered the most effective solution, their overreliance has led to adverse effects on beneficial insects, human health, and the environment, as well as the development of pesticide-resistant insect populations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative pest management strategies that minimize pesticide use and reduce unintended impacts on natural enemies, thereby maintaining ecological balance. Host plant resistance plays a pivotal role in integrated pest management (IPM). However, developing pest-resistant varieties through conventional breeding methods can be time-consuming and challenging due to the involvement of multiple quantitative traits controlled by various genetic loci. One promising biotechnological approach is the development of fusion proteins, engineered molecules that combine the functional properties of two or more distinct proteins. These fusion proteins effectively target specific insect pests while minimizing environmental impact. Importantly, they overcome key limitations of single-gene constructs, including narrow target range and rapid resistance development. Numerous fusion proteins have been successfully developed and deployed in various crop plants, demonstrating their versatility and broad-spectrum activity against major insect pests. This review discusses fusion protein technologies and their application in developing transgenic crops with enhanced resistance to insect pests.

Details

Title: Fusion protein based strategies for developing insect-resistant crops
Authors/Creators: Marri Keerthana - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Morthala Shankara Sai Reddy - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Yogesh Dashrath Naik - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Arindam Pal - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Anil Namdev Kale - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Satish Kumar Singh - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
Sudha Nandni - Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University
K. Premalatha - Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Murukarthick Jayakodi - Texas A&M University
Venugopal Mendu - Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Manish K. Pandey - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
Somashekhar Punnuri - Fort Valley State University
Rajeev K. Varshney - Murdoch University
Mahendar Thudi - University of Southern Queensland
Publication Details: Functional & integrative genomics, Vol.26(1), 77
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Number of pages: 20
Grant note: University of Southern Queensland
Identifiers: 991005875442407891
Murdoch Affiliation: Food Futures Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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