Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology最新文献

{"title":"Multi-omics analyses reveal that DMDS-induced embryonic developmental arrest leads to eggshell damage and secondary suppression of chitin biosynthesis in Meloidogyne incognita","authors":"Jingyi Liu ,&nbsp;Xin Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyue Sun,&nbsp;Pengrui Yang,&nbsp;Yuan Li,&nbsp;Wensheng Fang,&nbsp;Aocheng Cao,&nbsp;Qiuxia Wang,&nbsp;Dongdong Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106887","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106887","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root-knot nematode (RKN) eggs have a multilayered structure that allows them to survive long-term in soil, serving as a major source of reinfestation. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), an efficient and environmentally friendly fumigant alternative to methyl bromide, shows significant inhibitory activity against RKN eggs, yet its ovicidal mechanism remains unclear. This study integrated microscopy, multi-omics, and biochemical assays to evaluate DMDS potency under contact and fumigation treatments. RT-qPCR and biochemical assays were used for validation. Results showed that the 24-h EC₅₀ values of DMDS against eggs were 39.88 mg·L⁻¹ for contact treatment and 7.01 mg·L⁻¹ for Petri dish fumigation, while the 4-d EC₅₀ for soil fumigation was 3.91 mg·kg⁻¹. Morphological analyses showed that DMDS treatment caused surface collapse and loss of structural integrity of the eggshell. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated significant downregulation of chitin synthase and chitin-binding protein genes, consistent with decreased chitinase activity. Furthermore, detoxification pathways, including glutathione metabolism and cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification, were significantly activated. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), were markedly elevated. In summary, DMDS exerts a multifaceted toxicological effect on nematode eggs: it first penetrates into the egg and induces severe oxidative stress and energy-metabolic imbalance in the embryo, thereby jointly blocking normal embryonic development; this developmental arrest subsequently triggers secondary downstream effects, including disruption of eggshell structure and suppression of chitin biosynthetic processes. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of DMDS as a green and efficient fumigant for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106887"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacillus velezensis csuftb-96, an efficient and promising biocontrol agent for managing Diplodia shoot blight caused by Diplodia sapinea","authors":"Hang Luo ,&nbsp;Shuang Li ,&nbsp;Pingan Chen ,&nbsp;Guoying Zhou ,&nbsp;Junang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106841","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diplodia shoot blight, caused by <em>Diplodia sapinea</em>, is seriously endangering the health of pines. Therefore, its prevention and control are urgent. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as potential and highly effective biopesticides, can control a variety of plant diseases. In this study, a PGPR, <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> strain csuftb-96 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of pines. The plate confrontation test indicated that csuftb-96 severely inhibited the growth of <em>D. sapinea</em>. The pot experiment demonstrated that csuftb-96 has a good control effect on Diplodia shoot blight. The active metabolites of strain csuftb-96, including organic acids, antibiotics, and polypeptides, along with various hydrolases, exhibit significant antagonistic activity, which can cause the hyphae of <em>D. sapinea</em> to become shrunken and ruptured. The application of csuftb-96 significantly enhanced the induced systemic resistance (ISR) of <em>Pinus massoniana</em> and increased the activity of related defense enzymes. By measuring the biomass of the strains in <em>P. massoniana</em>, it was determined that csuftb-96 could successfully colonize. In addition, csuftb-96 has a variety of functions that significantly promote the growth of pine trees. Transcriptome analysis revealed that strain csuftb-96 can induce the downregulation of DNA replication, cell division, and carbohydrate metabolism processes, as well as the upregulation of programmed cell death, thereby inhibiting the growth of <em>D. sapinea</em>. In conclusion, a biocontrol strain csuftb-96 has been discovered that can both directly kill <em>D. sapinea</em> and inducing <em>P. massoniana</em> ISR, thereby controlling Diplodia shoot blight. This study indicates that <em>B. velezensis</em> csuftb-96 has great potential as a biological agent for controlling Diplodia shoot blight and provides theoretical basis for green control of plant diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106841"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145584483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Threats of multiple pesticides to a predator: Toxicity and sublethal impacts on Orius nagaii","authors":"Zhenjuan Yin ,&nbsp;Shan Zhao ,&nbsp;Qimei Li ,&nbsp;Yan Li ,&nbsp;Dingyin Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Dai ,&nbsp;Ruijuan Wang ,&nbsp;Chengxing Wang ,&nbsp;Li Zheng ,&nbsp;Bin Tang ,&nbsp;Junrui Zhi","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pesticide applications inevitably affect agricultural ecosystems and their components, particularly beneficial insects. This study evaluated the impacts of three pesticides cypermethrin, avermectin, and sulfoxaflor on the predatory insect <em>Orius nagaii</em> Yasunaga. We focused on acute toxicity, predation behavior, reproduction, and detoxification mechanisms. Our results showed that all three pesticides significantly affected <em>O. nagaii</em>, with cypermethrin being the most and sulfoxaflor the least toxic. Pesticide exposure altered gut structure and negatively affected predation and reproductive capabilities, especially at higher concentrations, with avermectin and sulfoxaflor notably reducing egg production. Detoxification-related gene and enzyme analyses revealed differential responses across treatments. Cypermethrin upregulated glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase (POD) activities, while avermectin significantly induced dual oxidase (Doux). Sulfoxaflor increased GST activity, but did not affect superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase (CAT). Key CYP genes (<em>CYP6A2</em>, <em>CYP6B7</em>, <em>CYP301A1</em>, and <em>CYP4C1</em>) showed differential expression patterns. <em>CYP6A2</em> was significantly modulated by all the treatments, <em>CYP6B7</em> by cypermethrin, and <em>CYP301A1</em> by avermectin and sulfoxaflor. <em>CYP4C1</em> was downregulated by sulfoxaflor. In conclusion, although these pesticides effectively control pests, they adversely impact beneficial insects like <em>O. nagaii</em>. Rational pesticide use is essential for protecting natural enemy insect populations. Future research should focus on specific detoxification pathways and species-specific responses to optimize integrated pest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106836"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aminopyrifen, a novel 2-aminonicotinate fungicide, inhibits growth and deoxynivalenol biosynthesis in Fusarium graminearum","authors":"Chengqi Zhang ,&nbsp;Qianqian Xing ,&nbsp;Linya Xiao ,&nbsp;Yunhao Li ,&nbsp;Ying Wang ,&nbsp;Li Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Fusarium graminearum</em>, the major causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals, threatens global wheat production and food safety through yield losses and contamination with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). Here, we evaluated aminopyrifen, a novel 2-aminonicotinate fungicide, for its efficacy and mechanism of action against <em>F. graminearum</em>. Sensitivity assays of 103 field isolates revealed potent inhibition of mycelial growth (mean EC₅₀ = 0.0547 μg/mL) with no resistant strains detected. Aminopyrifen disrupted hyphal and conidial morphology, suppressed toxisome formation, and markedly reduced DON biosynthesis by downregulating TRI gene expression. Functional analyses showed that the acyltransferase FgGWT1 is essential for fungal growth, conidiation, virulence, and toxisome formation, and its inhibition by aminopyrifen phenocopied gene deletion. These findings establish aminopyrifen as a promising candidate fungicide with a novel target, offering potential for effective FHB management and reduced DON contamination in wheat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106907"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RNAseq-based molecular insights into three insecticide resistances in Laodelphax striatellus: Structural perspective on CYP6ER2 in detoxification","authors":"Minyoung Choi ,&nbsp;Murtaza Khan ,&nbsp;In-hong Jeong ,&nbsp;Juil Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The small brown planthopper (<em>Laodelphax striatellus</em>, SBPH) is a major pest of rice across Asia, where rising resistance to multiple insecticide classes poses a serious threat to crop protection. To understand the molecular basis of resistance, field populations from Korea were selected over six years with carbosulfan (1 A), etofenprox (3 A), and imidacloprid (4 A), generating three resistant strains. Bioassays confirmed exceptionally high resistance, with resistance ratios exceeding 350-fold for carbosulfan, &gt;1200-fold for etofenprox, and &gt; 800-fold for imidacloprid. Target-site analyses revealed <em>Ace1</em> mutations (F331H, F439H) in carbosulfan- and imidacloprid resistant strains, whereas no classical sodium channel substitutions were detected in the etofenprox-resistant strain. RNA-seq profiling uncovered widespread transcriptional reprogramming, most pronounced in the etofenprox-resistant strain, which exhibited large-scale metabolic and signaling adjustments. In contrast, the imidacloprid-resistant strain showed marked overexpression of <em>CYP6ER2</em>, a cytochrome P450 closely related to <em>Nilaparvata lugens CYP6ER1</em>, suggesting a potential role in imidacloprid detoxification. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed significant upregulation of <em>CYP6ER2</em> across all resistant strains, with the highest expression observed in the imidacloprid-resistant strain (&gt;35-fold), independent of gene amplification. Molecular docking indicated that carbosulfan, etofenprox, and imidacloprid can theoretically fit into the <em>CYP6ER2</em> active site with favorable binding energies and catalytically relevant orientations, supporting its putative broad-spectrum detoxification function. Together, these findings reveal that resistance in SBPH arises from a combination of target-site mutations and transcriptional activation of metabolic genes, with <em>CYP6ER2</em> emerging as a candidate mediator of cross-class detoxification. These results emphasize the urgent need for resistance management strategies that limit reliance on shared metabolic pathways rather than relying solely on mode-of-action rotation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106854"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sugar transporter protein gene LdST59 of Lymantria dispar mediates lethality of larvae infected by its viral pathogen, LdMNPV","authors":"Xiang Liu ,&nbsp;Tong-Xian Liu ,&nbsp;Dun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Viral infection triggers an immune response in insects, causing a shift in energy resources to immune defense mechanisms‌. Although sugar transporters are known to be involved in carbohydrate transport in insects, their specific function in metabolic process of viral defense has not been well understood‌. The genes encoded <em>Lymantria dispar</em> sugar transporter proteins <em>(LdSTs</em>) were characterized and functionally analyzed for their roles in sugar transportation in response to viral infection to this insect host by <em>Lymantria dispar</em> nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). Totally, 82 <em>LdSTs</em> were identified from the transcriptomic data. Expression levels for most of these sugar transporter genes significantly changed during LdMNPV infection determined by post-infection temporal analysis. The ‌trehalose and glucose were transported significantly from peripheral tissues (e.g., fat body) to the hemolymph‌ of host insect during the viral infection. Interestingly, silencing <em>LdST59</em> impaired glucose enrichment to hemolymph and suppressed expression of antimicrobial peptides (<em>AMPs</em>) genes, which led to increased lethality and the DNA replication levels of LdMNPV from viral infection. These results suggest that LdST59 is involved in the redistribution of glucose between different larval tissues after viral infection and that this shift in energy supply pattern plays an important role in the lethality of LdMNPV to larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106871"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GONs-based delivery of a fused dsRNA targeting key cuticular genes (PcCPAP3-E and PcFTZ-F1): A novel strategy for Panonychus citri control","authors":"Haifeng Wang ,&nbsp;Tianrong Xin ,&nbsp;Chenyu Jiang,&nbsp;Yuehan Li,&nbsp;Bin Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106872","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106872","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The arthropod cuticle serves as a critical barrier against environmental stressors and is essential for maintaining structural integrity. Its constituent cuticle proteins (CPs) represent promising targets for pest management. <em>Panonychus citri</em>, the citrus red mite, is a major pest in the global citrus industry, making the development of eco-friendly and effective control strategies a priority. In this study, we identified and characterized a cuticle protein, <em>PcCPAP3-E</em>, from <em>P. citri</em>, which contains three chitin-binding domains (CBDs). Its expression profile was highly correlated with the mite's molting and developmental stages. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of <em>PcCPAP3-E</em> resulted in lethal phenotypes in nymphs, including a thinned cuticle and a ruptured dorsal plate, leading to a mortality rate of 41.29 % and accompanied by disrupted chitin architecture. Furthermore, in vitro biochemical assays confirmed the specific binding affinity of the recombinant <em>PcCPAP3-E</em> protein to chitosan. Mechanistic investigation revealed that the expression of <em>PcCPAP3-E</em> is regulated by the ecdysone signaling pathway, with the transcription factor FTZ-F1 acting as a key upstream regulator. A fused dsRNA targeting both <em>PcCPAP3-E</em> and <em>FTZ<img>F1</em>, delivered via graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs), achieved a 76.41 % synergistic mortality rate when co-applied with etoxazole, significantly outperforming single-gene interference strategies. In conclusion, this study defines the critical function of <em>PcCPAP3-E</em> and its regulation by <em>FTZ-F1</em> in <em>P. citri</em> development. The established nanocarrier-based synergistic RNAi strategy provides a novel approach for the green control of piercing-sucking pests.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106872"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent progress in the construction and application of controlled-release essential oil formulations","authors":"Wei Jin,&nbsp;Hao Chen,&nbsp;Zewei Wang,&nbsp;Hongde An","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advanced encapsulation technologies are pivotal for overcoming the volatility and instability of essential oils (EOs), thereby enhancing their efficacy as sustainable pesticides. This review systematically classifies and analyzes the mechanisms of innovative delivery systems, including mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, Pickering emulsions, and metal-organic frameworks engineered for the controlled release of EOs. Beyond outlining material design, we critically evaluate how these carriers modulate the physiological and biochemical interactions between EOs and target microbial, such as disrupting cellular membranes and interfering with metabolic enzymes. The review also comprehensively examines the practical applications of these formulations across food packaging, functional textiles, and sanitizing products. Furthermore, we address the crucial safety profiles of nano−/micro-formulations and discuss future directions focusing on scalability, environmental fate, and regulatory acceptance, providing a strategic roadmap for transitioning these technologies from laboratory research to real-world implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106878"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization and targeting of the hatching enzyme EsHE in Exorista sorbillans identifies abametapir as a potent ovicidal agent","authors":"Shanshan Wang ,&nbsp;Yijiangcheng Li ,&nbsp;Wenhe Xie ,&nbsp;Yuexia Pu ,&nbsp;Zhongyuan Shen ,&nbsp;Meixian Wang ,&nbsp;Juan zhu ,&nbsp;Xingjia Shen ,&nbsp;Shunming Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Exorista sorbillans</em>, a parasitic fly that infests the silkworm <em>Bombyx mori</em>, causes severe economic losses in sericulture. Current control methods are limited by pesticide resistance, underscoring the need for novel strategies targeting essential physiological processes. Here, we identified and characterized the hatching enzyme gene (<em>EsHE</em>) from <em>E. sorbillans</em>, which encodes a zinc-binding metalloprotease highly expressed during egg hatching process and third-instar larval development. Heterologous expression of EsHE revealed that its catalytic domain (EsHEb) exhibits robust proteolytic activity against both native egg chorions and host cocoons, confirming its role in facilitating larval emergence. Screening of metalloprotease inhibitors identified 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl (abametapir) as a potent inhibitor of EsHE, achieving 100 % ovicidal efficacy at 2 mM without adversely affecting silkworm viability or key economic traits. Structural and computational analyses demonstrated that EsHE belongs to the ZnMc superfamily, with a conserved active-site cavity stabilized by Zn²⁺ coordination. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PBSA calculations revealed strong binding affinity between EsHE and its substrate tripeptide (Leu-Leu-Glu, LLE), driven primarily by electrostatic interactions, and identified four critical residues essential for substrate recognition. Abametapir disrupts enzyme function by chelating Zn²⁺, thereby inhibiting egg hatching. Our findings establish EsHE as a promising molecular target for controlling <em>E. sorbillans</em> and position abametapir as an eco-friendly, targeted agent for managing silkworm myiasis, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional pesticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106884"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FgNR gene regulates growth, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity in Fusarium graminearum","authors":"Bingyang Hu ,&nbsp;Mingcan Yin ,&nbsp;Xuhao Guo ,&nbsp;Jia Jiang ,&nbsp;Le Qian ,&nbsp;Kai He ,&nbsp;Shengming Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Fusarium graminearum</em> is the predominant pathogenic fungus causing Fusarium head blight, posing significant threats to food security and agricultural development. In this study, gene knockout technology was employed to construct <em>FgNR</em> (nitrate reductase gene) knockout and complemented mutants of <em>F. graminearum</em> to investigate the biological functions of <em>FgNR</em>. The results demonstrated that deletion of <em>FgNR</em> significantly reduced the growth rate and conidial germination rate of <em>F. graminearum</em>. The knockout mutants were unable to grow on basic medium containing only nitrate, while the wild type and complementation grew normally. The growth rate of <em>ΔFgNR</em> was enhanced under NaCl and KCl stress. Furthermore, <em>ΔFgNR</em> exhibited compromised cell membrane and cell wall integrity, as well as reduced tolerance to external oxidants. Additionally, the pathogenicity of <em>ΔFgNR</em> was significantly attenuated, accompanied by decreased deoxynivalenol (DON) production. The expression levels of <em>Tri5</em> and <em>Tri6</em> genes were downregulated, whereas the expression level of <em>Tri10</em> was upregulated in the mutant strain. Compared to the wild-type strain, the knockout mutant exhibited decreased sensitivity to prothioconazole, accompanied by a marked increase in <em>FgCYP51A</em> gene expression. These findings indicate that <em>FgNR</em> plays critical roles in asexual reproduction, pathogenicity, nitrogen source utilization, and responses to abiotic stress and fungicide sensitivity in <em>F. graminearum</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19828,"journal":{"name":"Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106890"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}