Addressing the issues of pesticide resistance, environmental pollution, and health risks associated with conventional chemical pesticides necessitates the development of efficient and environmentally benign pest control strategies. RNA interference (RNAi) technology, particularly double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based biopesticides, offers a promising alternative due to its high species specificity and biodegradable nature, potentially balancing effective pest control with environmental and health safety. This chapter comprehensively reviews the mechanism of action, advances in delivery strategies (e.g., transgenic plants, foliar sprays, and nano-carriers), and current applications of dsRNA pesticides. It critically analyzes the stability challenges dsRNA encounters in the environment and within insect bodies, alongside corresponding mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the chapter examines potential ecological risks, regulatory hurdles, and future perspectives, underscoring the need for integrated technological innovation and thorough assessment to establish RNAi as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural pest management.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) show strong potential for improving crop productivity and stress resilience, but their direct effects on agricultural pests require careful evaluation. Here, we assessed single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) on the spider mite Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) using an age-stage, two-sex life table. Leaf disks treated with SWCNTs (0.004, 0.04, 0.2, 0.4 mg/mL) were used to measure development, survival, and reproduction. SWCNT exposure significantly prolonged pre-adult development and reduced female fecundity in a concentration-dependent manner. Population parameters (r, λ) declined significantly in treated groups, while mean generation time (T) increased with concentration. At 0.4 mg/mL, fecundity dropped to 40.57 ± 2.42 offspring per female and population projection was lowest. Overall, SWCNTs inhibited mite development and reproduction in a concentration-dependent manner, providing a demographic basis for ecological risk assessment and suggesting potential utility as a tool or carrier system for integrated spider mite management.