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Editorial: Abiotic stress and physiological adaptive strategies of insects

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Abiotic stress, such as extreme temperatures, hypoxia, or nutrient deficiencies, is an inherent part of every ecosystem and can have a range of impacts on insects. These stresses can affect… Click to show full abstract

Abiotic stress, such as extreme temperatures, hypoxia, or nutrient deficiencies, is an inherent part of every ecosystem and can have a range of impacts on insects. These stresses can affect the behavior, development, reproduction, and survival of insect populations, potentially altering the balance of predator-prey relationships and disrupting ecosystem functions. In response to threseese stresses, insects may exhibit physiological, biochemical, or behavioral adaptations to cope with adverse conditions, but if the stress is severe or prolonged, it can lead to population declines or even extinctions. Therefore, understanding the strategies employed by insects to respond to these challenges is crucial to predict and mitigate the impact of climate change on insect populations and the ecosystems they inhabit. By gaining insight into how insects respond to diverse abiotic stresses, we can develop effective conservation strategies to protect insect populations and maintain ecosystem health. This Research Topic features ten research articles resulting from studies conducted in four different countries (China, India, Mexico, and United States), demonstrating the significance of collaborative science. The published articles add to the expanding literature on the physiological adaptations of insects in response to diverse abiotic stresses and provides valuable insights and knowledge that can inform future research in this area and help develop effective strategies for the conservation of insect populations in the face of climate change. Temperature is one of the most stressful abiotic pressures. Exposure to elevated temperatures have been observed to negatively affect insect growth and development, leading to reduced fecundity, longevity, and dispersal (Ramniwas and Kumar, 2019). The study investigating the fruit fly genus Anastrepha, including species such as A. ludens, A. obliqua, A. striata, and A. serpentine, has revealed that lifespan can vary among different species even when exposed to the same constant temperature Guillén et al. Interestingly, the study discovered that A. obliqua, which typically thrives in hot environments, exhibited an unexpected cold hardiness. Furthermore, the study found that thermal stress could affect the lifespan of male and female insects differently. Even brief periods of heat exposure can significantly impact reproductive processes and fertility, as reported by Walsh et al. (2021). This assertion is reinforced by the work OPEN ACCESS

Keywords: stress; stress physiological; insects; editorial abiotic; abiotic stress; insect populations

Journal Title: Frontiers in Physiology
Year Published: 2023

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