Original paper

Direct and transgenerational effects of Mepiquat Chloride on demography and gene expression in Aphis gossypii

Qiu, Yuepeng; Ma, Yajie; Chen, Zhaorong; Song, Xianpeng; Hu, Hongyan; Wu, Changcai; Shan, Yongpan; Wang, Dan; Ren, Xiangliang; Ma, Yan; Luo, Junyu

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Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 6 (2025), p. 1765 - 1773

published: Dec 4, 2025
published online: Oct 23, 2025
manuscript accepted: Jul 15, 2025
manuscript revision received: Jun 18, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Mar 17, 2025
manuscript received: Feb 7, 2025

DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/3366

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ArtNo. ESP146004506022, Price: 29.00 €

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Abstract

The improper use of pesticide has escalated the challenge of managing Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a serious agricultural pest. While mepiquat chloride (DPC), a plant growth regulator, has been shown to reduce the reproductive capacity of A. gossypii when the aphids feed on DPC-treated cotton leaves (Gossypium hirsutum L), its direct effects on A. gossypii remain unclear. In this context we used multigeneration life table and transcriptome sequencing to investigate both the direct and transgenerational effects of DPC (directly applied to the F0 generation) on the population dynamics of A. gossypii. Results showed that DPC, although lacking direct contact biological activity, reduced population growth parameters and affected multiple generations (F0–F2). By contrast, the effects on the F3–F5 generations were relatively minor. Transcriptome analysis revealed generation-specific changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), particularly those related to the reproduction of A. gossypii. Notably, the expression levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-1B-like (Ag4E-1B-like) and juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase-like (AgJHAMT-like) were down-regulated to varying degrees. After RNA interference knockdown of Ag4E-1B-like and AgJHAMT-like, the longevity, fecundity, and survival rates of A. gossypii were reduced. These results deepen our comprehension of the potential consequences of DPC on reproductive inhibition in A. gossypii and provide valuable guidance for usage of pesticides.

Keywords

Cotton aphid • 1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium chloride • life table parameters • fertility • transgenerational • sublethal effects • population growth • fecundity