RNAi‐mediated silencing of SlitPer disrupts sex pheromone communication behavior in Spodoptera litura

Abstract

BackgroundThe 24‐h circadian rhythm is considered crucial for insect sexual communication. However, its molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, particularly the roles of the clock gene period (Per), remain largely unclear. The sex pheromone communication behavior of Spodoptera litura displays typical circadian rhythm characteristics. Thus, it represents an excellent model for functional analyses of the clock gene Per.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the potential roles of SlitPer in regulating sex pheromone communication in S. litura using RNA interference, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), gas chromatography, and behavioral assays. The qPCR results showed that the expression levels of SlitPer and two desaturase genes (SlitDes5 and SlitDes11) in the siPer group differed significantly at most time points from those in the siNC group. Dynamic variation in the three major sex pheromone titers and calling behavior of S. litura females in the siPer group was disordered. In addition, the mating rates of siPer S. litura females decreased significantly by 33.33%. Oviposition by mated siPer females was substantially reduced by 84.84%.ConclusionThese findings provide a fundamental basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism by which Per regulates sex pheromone communication behavior in lepidopteran species. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Rusty Grain Beetle’s Aggregation Pheromone Biosynthesis Mechanism in Response to Starvation

“…In a previous study, ACC was found to be activated by dephosphorylation at positions serine 84 and serine 92 in the PBANR/Ca 2+ /CaN/ACC pathway, ultimately regulated by PBAN [8]. Similarly, the dynamic variation in the sex pheromone titers was disrupted when the expression of the desaturase genes was significantly altered by knocking down the clock gene period (SlitPer) or the knockout of the tyramine receptor 1 gene [38,39]. Furthermore, the FAS gene was highly expressed in pheromone-producing boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis grandis) compared with non-pheromone producing weevils, indicating its involvement in pheromone biosynthesis [22].…”

Disruption of microRNA pathway core genes inhibits molting and reproduction of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne

“…RNAi is considered a possible means of pest control by blocking normal insect molting. [43][44][45] Research has shown that RNAimediated silencing of miRNA pathway genes leads to greater lethality and/or developmental defects. 15 In B. germanica, a dose of 1.5 μg dsArgonaute-1 delivered to 5 th -instar nymphs resulted in 100% mortality.…”

Evaluation of Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) as a biocontrol agent of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) based on two-sex life table and functional response analyses

“…Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an insect pest worldwide (Yang et al 2023;EPPO 2023), with more than 120 host plant species in 48 families, and causes severe economic losses in crop fields (Ravishankar and Venkatesha 2011;Toke, et al 2016;Shekhawat et al 2018). Each female can lay more than 2,000 eggs during her lifespan, laying 200-300 eggs in a single egg mass (Ahmad et al 2013) that are usually covered by a layer of brown abdominal hair-like scales (Li et al 2023).…”