Contribution
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
Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 6 (2025), p. 1765 - 1773
publié: Dec 4, 2025
publication en ligne: Oct 23, 2025
manuscrit accepté: Jul 15, 2025
revision du manuscrit reçu: Jun 18, 2025
révision du manuscrit demandée: Mar 17, 2025
manuscrit reçu: Feb 7, 2025
ArtNo. ESP146004506022, Prix: 29.00 €
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.
Mots-clefs
Cotton aphid • 1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium chloride • life table parameters • fertility • transgenerational • sublethal effects • population growth • fecundity