Computational toxicology and insect growth disruptors as tools for controlling Gryllus bimaculatus

Sustainable pest management is a critical aspect of environmental and agricultural health, necessitating the exploration of effective control strategies while minimizing ecological risks and resistance development. The two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), is a sporadic pest that is active year-round due to its lack of diapause, occasionally leading to outbreaks under specific conditions. Chemical insecticides are often the first line of defense; however, relying solely on chemical control is not a sustainable long-term strategy. Additionally, insecticide resistance has become a widespread challenge in many pest species, including those associated with public spaces and agricultural settings. This study investigates the efficacy of four pesticides—Primiphose-methyl, D-tetramethrin, Bacillus thuringiensis , and Chlorfluazuron—while also exploring their mechanisms of action to better manage resistance development over time. Toxicity assays revealed that Primiphose-methyl exhibited the highest efficacy, with the lowest LC ₅₀ (2.47 ppm) and LC ₉₀ (7.78 ppm) values, resulting in rapid mortality. In contrast, Chlorfluazuron, a growth regulator, induced morphological changes across various developmental stages, disrupting the insect’s life cycle. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong agreement with laboratory results, validating the use of computational simulation as an effective and rapid tool for predicting pesticide toxicity and efficiency in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This study provides novel insights into the evaluation of chemical pesticides and emphasizes the importance of computational tools in predicting insect susceptibility, resistance management, and the prioritization of monitoring strategies. The findings underscore the potential for integrating laboratory and computational approaches to enhance sustainable pest control and mitigate resistance development.