Triflumezopyrim-induced changes in the flight ability and energy metabolism of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Abstract

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, is a migratory pest of rice that exhibits short- and long-winged polymorphisms. The increased prevalence of long-winged individuals signals either immigration from external sources or imminent emigration from local populations. The migratory behavior of BPH is contingent upon its intrinsic flight capabilities, which have historically been managed through chemical pesticides. However, the challenge of mitigating pesticide resistance and rebound in BPH populations poses a significant concern for agricultural stakeholders. In this investigation, triflumezopyrim (TFM) was shown to be an effective agent in diminishing the flight capacity of BPH. Sublethal (0.249 mg/L) and median lethal concentration (0.571 mg/L) of TFM were used to construct a transcriptional profile of the long-winged form of BPH at 72 h post-emergence. Furthermore, following TFM exposure, a marked reduction in the flight performance of BPH was observed, and this was accompanied by elevated trehalose levels, attenuated trehalase activity, and a decrease in glucose, glycogen, and total sugar concentrations. In response to TFM, there was a substantial increase in reactive oxygen species within flight muscles, heightened H₂O₂ levels, and a reduced GSH/GSSG ratio. Histopathological examination of flight muscle sections showed that the flight muscles of TFM-treated BPH exhibited a higher proportion of apoptotic cells as compared to controls, suggesting that TFM impairs the flight capability of BPH. This study elucidates how TFM exposure impacts the flight ability of long-winged BPH and provides transcriptomic data that help clarify the role of TFM role in pest management.