Unveiling new knowledge on plant resistance to insects at a landmark symposium

Drawing an audience of almost 100 experts from 17 countries for four enriching days, the 26^th Biannual International Plant Resistance to Insects Symposium (IPRI 2024) was held this on 22-24 April at World Vegetable Center headquarters in Taiwan. A collaborative effort between the World Vegetable Center, National Taiwan University and the National Chung Hsing University, this had particular significance this year, as it also celebrated the 50^th anniversary of IPRI.

The event was a melting pot of knowledge exchange and the sharing of groundbreaking research, strengthening existing partnerships and cultivating new ones. As the symposium unfolded, attendees delved into multifaceted discussions around plant-arthropod interactions, elucidating mechanisms of plant resistance, refining phenotyping methodologies, and advancing breeding strategies for insect resistance.

Notably, this year’s symposium witnessed a notable increase in attention on vegetable crops, seen as a testament to the evolving landscape of agricultural research priorities. While maintaining its traditional emphasis on staple crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, and barley, IPRI 2024 showcased pioneering studies that were uncovering sources of insect resistance in vegetables and innovative breeding techniques tailored to address emerging challenges.

Of particular interest were presentations on tri-trophic interactions encompassing host plants, pest insects and their natural enemies, and the intricate ecological dynamics that shape pest management strategies. Moreover, researchers unveiled novel investigations that are exploring the role of endophytes, interactions between host plants and below-ground herbivores, as well as the impact of soil microbes on insect populations. Additionally, discussions surrounding RNA-based biopesticides offered promising avenues which could lead to more sustainable pest management solutions.

The symposium also provided a platform for young scientists, with seven students from diverse backgrounds—Canada, India, South Africa, and Taiwan—competing for student awards through their insightful research contributions.

Beyond the confines of academia, IPRI 2024 left an enduring mark on the landscape of agricultural research, by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enlightening everyone with invaluable insights into the intricacies of plant-insect interactions. Through engaging discussions, immersive field trips and interactive sessions, participants departed with a renewed zeal to tackle the evolving challenges of pest management amidst a changing climate.

The ripple effects of IPRI 2024 extend will also far beyond its temporal confines, as they promise to shape the trajectory of agricultural research in the decades to come. As the baton is passed to Canada, chosen as the venue for the next bianniel IPRI symposium in 2026, the legacy of IPRI continues to inspire innovation and drive transformative change in agricultural practices worldwide.