Gut metagenome in Insects and Its Potential in Agricultural and Industrial Applications
Kishore S. M *
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences- Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India and Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU-500030, Hyderabad, India.
K. Sowmya
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences- Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India and Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU-500030, Hyderabad, India.
A. Krishnaveni
Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU-500030, Hyderabad, India.
Meka Avanija
Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU-500030, Hyderabad, India.
Shalini K S
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences- Shivamogga-577204, Karnataka, India.
Tejaswi Akula
Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara- 144411, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Metagenomics has greatly improved our understanding of microbial ecology by revealing the metagenomes of uncultured bacteria, including those associated with insects. These bacteria play important roles in insect defence, reproduction, and food absorption, which influences pest management tactics. Recent next generation sequencing advances in low-cost nucleotide and user-friendly bioinformatics have improved our ability to investigate microbial diversity in economically significant pests. Meta-omics technologies are now essential for defining microbial ecosystems, bio-surveillance, food safety, and commercial advances. Genome studies on insects and plants provide insights into pest control by discovering resistance genotypes and understanding stress-induced genomic changes. This review is focused on how herbivore specialists, such as the diamondback Plutella xylostella, adapt to host plants using gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing has discovered important bacteria-Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum- that help detoxify plant defences, breakdown cell walls, and synthesise amino acids. These findings indicate novel pest management tactics that target gut microbiota interactions. The paper continues with an overview of metagenomic DNA extraction, library creation and screening methods, especially on their applications in biotechnology and bioprocessing.
Keywords: Metagenomics, insect pests, genome expression, diamond back moth, herbivores