Research progress on insecticide resistance and its mechanisms in Tuta absoluta, an important invasive alien pest

The tomato leaf miner moth, Tuta absoluta, is a globally invasive pest that primarily infests solanaceous crops, with a marked preference for tomatoes. Since its introduction from its native Peru in South America to Spain in 2006, this pest has spread to more than 150 countries and regions worldwide, posing a severe threat to tomato yield and quality in invaded areas. In August 2017, T. absoluta was first detected in Xinjiang, China, and by the end of 2023, it had spread to over 20 provinces, resulting in an exceptionally challenging situation for its prevention and control. Currently, chemical control remains the primary method for managing the moth. However, prolonged use of chemical pesticides and increasing selection pressure readily lead to elevated resistance levels against these chemicals in T. absoluta populations. To comprehensively understand the current status and mechanisms underlying the development of resistance in T. absoluta globally, this study systematically reviews existing research on insecticide resistance levels and mechanisms both domestically and internationally. The study elaborates on two aspects: the resistance level of T. absoluta to chemical insecticides (including organophosphorus, pyrethroid, bisamide, and other types of insecticides) and the resistance mechanisms (including metabolic and target-site resistance). Furthermore, potential research directions are proposed to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective and sustainable strategies for controlling T. absoluta.