Identification and RNAi-based function analysis of trehalase family genes in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande).

BACKGROUND: Insects utilize trehalases (TREs) to regulate energy metabolism and chitin biosynthesis, which are essential for their growth, development, and reproduction. TREs can therefore be used as potential targets for future insecticide development. However, the roles of TREs in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), a serious widespread agricultural pest, remain unclear. RESULTS: Three TRE genes were identified in F. occidentalis and cloned, and their functions were then investigated via feeding RNA interference (RNAi) and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. The results showed that silencing FoTRE1-1 or FoTRE1-2 significantly decreased expression levels of FoGFAT, FoPGM, FoUAP, and FoCHS, which are members of the chitin biosynthesis pathway. Silencing FoTRE1-1 or FoTRE2 significantly down-regulated FoPFK and FoPK, which are members of the energy metabolism pathway. These changes resulted in 2-fold decreases in glucose and glycogen content, 2-fold increases in trehalose content, and 1.5- to 2.0-fold decreases in chitinase activity. Furthermore, knocking down FoTRE1-1 or FoTRE1-2 resulted in deformed nymphs and pupae as a result of hindered molting. The VIGS assay for the three FoTREs revealed that FoTRE1-1 or FoTRE2 caused shortened ovarioles, and reduced egg-laying and hatching rates. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that FoTRE1-1 and FoTRE1-2 play important roles in the growth and development of F. occidentalis, while FoTRE1-1 and FoTRE2 are essential for its reproduction. These three genes could be candidate targets for RNAi-based management and control of this destructive agricultural pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferases are involved in spinosad resistance in western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande).

Uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferases (UGTs) play crucial roles in the insect detoxification system and are associated with pesticide resistance. Our previous transcriptomic analysis of spinosad-susceptible (Ivf03) and resistant (NIL-R) Frankliniella occidentalis revealed numerous upregulated UGT genes in the NIL-R strain, suggesting their potential contribution to spinosad resistance. To investigate this hypothesis, here we conducted UGT activity assays and spinosad induction experiments, employing RNA interference (RNAi) techniques for gene function validation. We found significantly elevated UGT activity in the NIL-R strain compared to Ivf03, with 5-nitrouracil showing a substantial synergistic effect on the resistant strain. Eighteen UGT genes were identified in F. occidentalis, with gene expansion and duplication observed within families UGT466, 467, and 468. Ten out of the eighteen UGTs exhibited higher expression levels in NIL-R, specifically FoUGT466B1, FoUGT468A3, and FoUGT468A4 consistently being upregulated across nymphs, males, and females. RNAi-based functional validation targeting these three UGT genes led to increased susceptibility to spinosad in a life stage-, sex-, and dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that UGTs are indeed involved in spinosad resistance in F. occidentalis, and the effects are dependent on life stage, sex, and dose. Therefore, sustainable control for F. occidentalis resistance should always consider these differential responses.

Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus shifts sex ratio toward males in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, by down-regulating a FSCB-like gene.

BACKGROUND: Plant viruses can facilitate their transmission by modulating the sex ratios of their insect vectors. Previously, we found that exposure to tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, led to a male-biased sex ratio in the offspring. TSWV, a generalist pathogen with a broad host range, is transmitted primarily by F. occidentalis in a circulative-propagative manner. Here, we integrated proteomic tools with RNAi to comprehensively investigate the genetic basis underlying the shift in vector sex ratio induced by the virus. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis exhibited 104 differentially expressed proteins between F. occidentalis adult males with and without TSWV. The expression of the fiber sheath CABYR-binding-like (FSCB) protein, namely FoFSCB-like, a sperm-specific protein associated with sperm capacitation and motility, was decreased by 46%. The predicted FoFSCB-like protein includes 10 classic Pro-X-X-Pro motifs and 42 phosphorylation sites, which are key features for sperm capacitation. FoFSCB-like expression was gradually increased during the development and peaked at the pupal stage. After exposure to TSWV, FoFSCB-like expression was substantially down-regulated. Nanoparticle-mediated RNAi substantially suppressed FoFSCB-like expression and led to a significant male bias in the offspring. CONCLUSION: These combined results suggest that down-regulation of FoFSCB-like in virus-exposed thrips leads to a male-biased sex ratio in the offspring. This study not only advances our understanding of virus-vector interactions, but also identifies a potential target for the genetic management of F. occidentalis, the primary vector of TSWV, by manipulating male fertility. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.