Frontiers in insect science最新文献

{"title":"Expression and RNAi characterization of neuropeptides underlying developmental regulation in the Colorado potato beetle.","authors":"Emma E Terris, Sophie M Verkoulen, Russell L Groves, Steven Moen, Sean D Schoville, Morgan Weissner, Umut Toprak","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1862257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2026.1862257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neuropeptides are evolutionarily ancient signaling molecules that act through diverse G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways to coordinate essential physiological and behavioral processes in insects. Despite their broad functional importance, the specific roles, receptor interactions, and regulatory mechanisms of individual neuropeptides remain underexplored, limiting our understanding of how these signaling systems operate across developmental and physiological contexts. In this study, we characterized transcript expression of five functionally diverse neuropeptides and one GPCR across <i>Leptinotarsa decemlineata</i> (Colorado potato beetle) tissues and life stages and subsequently knocked down the glycoprotein hormone subunit alpha 2 (GPA2) and its cognate receptor with glycoprotein hormone subunit beta 5 (GPB5), leucine-rich repeat-containing GPCR 1 (LGR1), for phenotypic investigation. Expression analyses revealed broad and tissue-specific variation among neuropeptides across developmental stages. No significant patterns in mortality, larval weight, or defoliation were detected following dsRNA-mediated knockdown of GPA2 or LGR1 via injection, though in the feeding trial third instar larvae given LGR1 dsRNA weighed significantly more and showed reduced defoliation rates compared the control. State-transition modeling identified significant effects of GPA2 and LGR1 knockdown on developmental timing, specifically during pupal-adult and larval-pupal-adult transitions, respectively, with time in life stage emerging as a key predictor of overall survival. These findings suggest a potential hormonal role for the GPA2-LGR1 signaling system in regulating developmental progression and stabilizing life-stage transitions in <i>L. decemlineata.</i></p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1862257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13478068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148804382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular monitoring and multiplex qPCR-based detection of <i>Cydia pomonella</i> and <i>Grapholita molesta</i> in apple orchards of Kazakhstan.","authors":"Alibek Makhambetov, Valeriya Kostyukova, Bakyt Dulat, Zarina Dairbekova, Gulnur Zholdasbek, Kairova Gulshariya, Marina Khusnitdinova, Abay Sagitov, Dilyara Gritsenko","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1897268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2026.1897268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Apple production in Kazakhstan is highly vulnerable to damage caused by fruit-infesting tortricid pests, particularly codling moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Accurate and rapid species identification is essential for effective pest management and phytosanitary monitoring in apple orchards.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Field surveys were conducted in apple orchards of southern and southeastern Kazakhstan to investigate the codling moth complex. Collected specimens were identified morphologically and confirmed by sequencing a mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region. Comparative COI sequence analysis was used to develop a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay employing Minor Groove Binder hydrolysis probes for simultaneous detection and differentiation of <i>Cydia pomonella</i> and <i>Grapholita molesta</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Field surveys identified <i>C. pomonella</i> and <i>G. molesta</i>, with <i>C. pomonella</i> accounting for 83.3% of collected specimens. COI sequencing enabled reliable discrimination between the two species. The multiplex assay demonstrated high specificity, produced no false-positive amplification in non-target species, and achieved 100% detection down to 5 pg DNA per reaction.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The developed COI-based multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable tool for simultaneous identification of <i>C. pomonella</i> and <i>G. molesta</i>. It is suitable for phytosanitary monitoring, early detection, and management of quarantine-relevant tortricid pests in Kazakhstan.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1897268"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13473341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal dynamics of the gut microbiota in <i>Apis mellifera ligustica</i>: a two-year longitudinal study.","authors":"Massimo Iorizzo, Gianfranco Pannella, Mariantonietta Succi, Sonia Ganassi, Dalila Di Criscio, Cosimo Tedino, Gianluca Albanese, Antonio De Cristofaro","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1920906","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2026.1920906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The honey bee gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host nutrition, immunity, and colony health, yet the relative influence of seasonal and colony-specific factors on its long-term dynamics remains incompletely understood. This study investigated temporal variation in the gut bacterial community of three <i>Apis mellifera ligustica</i> colonies maintained in the same apiary and monitored over two consecutive years (2022-2023). Worker bees were sampled during eight seasonal periods, and gut microbiota composition was characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Across all sampling periods, the microbiome was consistently dominated by the characteristic honey bee-associated genera <i>Gilliamella</i>, <i>Snodgrassella</i>, <i>Bartonella</i>, <i>Frischella</i>, <i>Commensalibacter</i>, and <i>Lactobacillus</i>, indicating the persistence of a conserved core bacterial community. Seasonal variation was primarily associated with changes in the relative abundance of dominant taxa rather than with major changes in community composition. In particular, <i>Gilliamella apicola</i> and <i>Snodgrassella alvi</i> exhibited complementary seasonal patterns, with <i>Gilliamella</i> reaching its highest abundance during autumn, particularly in autumn 2023, whereas <i>Snodgrassella</i> predominated during spring and winter. Alpha-diversity metrics (Observed OTUs, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices) showed limited seasonal variation, whereas beta-diversity analyses detected significant differences in community composition among seasons. Principal Coordinates Analysis and PERMANOVA identified season as the factor most strongly associated with microbiome variation, while colony identity did not significantly influence bacterial community composition under the standardized experimental conditions adopted in this study. Overall, these findings show that the gut microbiome of <i>A. mellifera ligustica</i> maintains a conserved core bacterial community while exhibiting reproducible seasonal variation in the relative abundance of its dominant members. This study provides a longitudinal baseline for future investigations aimed at understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying seasonal microbiome dynamics and their relationship with honey bee biology and environmental change.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1920906"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13472841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Botanical defence: medicinal plants as botanical insecticides against <i>Locustana pardalina</i> Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae).","authors":"Afika-Amazizi N Mbuyiswa, Hlalanathi Y Gwanya, Ompelege J Phokwe, Nomagugu Gxaba, Madira C Manganyi","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1833553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2026.1833553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food crop infestations caused by the insect pest <i>Locustana pardalina</i> threaten global food security, particularly in developing regions. This pest can devastate entire crops, exacerbating malnutrition and economic instability. Traditionally, <i>L. pardalina</i> outbreaks have been managed using synthetic chemical insecticides, which, while effective, pose significant environmental risks by harming nontarget species and contaminating ecosystems. Given these concerns, there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. Medicinal plant extracts, known for their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and active metabolites, offer promising solutions.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink using keywords related to <i>Locustana pardalina</i>, food security, outbreaks, botanical insecticides, metabolites, and pest management. The search (1988-2024) conducted used predefined eligibility criteria and identified 120 relevant studies on the biological control of various insects spanning approximately five to eight crop systems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>These plant-based insecticides have demonstrated the ability to repel various insect pests, including <i>L. pardalina</i>, and could provide an effective method for controlling locust swarms while mitigating the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. This review discusses the potential of medicinal plant extracts as sustainable alternatives for managing <i>L. pardalina</i> infestations, highlighting the active compounds that show promise in pest control and their benefits over conventional chemical insecticides.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, medicinal plant extracts represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides for managing <i>Locustana pardalina</i> infestations. Their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and bioactive metabolites offer effective pest control while minimising ecological harm, highlighting their potential to support food security and reduce the negative impacts associated with chemical pesticides.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1833553"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of climate change and human activities on the habitat suitability of <i>Zeugodacus tau</i> (Walker, 1849) in China: perspectives from ensemble modelling and niche analysis.","authors":"Zhangzhang He, Xinyue Chen, Tianzi Xia, Yongyue Li, Xiuqin Huang, Wenting Xiong, Yanan Gong, Xinxin Liao, Zhixiong Zhou","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1900075","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1900075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate change and human activities are significantly affecting the potential distribution pattern of pests, and the study of the spreading trend of the quarantine pest <i>Zeugodacus tau</i> (Walker, 1849) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China is important for the development of scientific and effective prevention and control strategies. In this study, we applied ensemble modelling and niche analysis to assess changes in the suitable distribution area of <i>Z. tau</i> under different climate scenarios in China at current and in the future. The results indicated that <i>Z. tau</i> was mainly distributed in central and southern China in the current period, and climate change might promote the expansion of its suitable habitat. Meanwhile, the cumulative variance explained for both the current and future periods exceeded 92%. Additionally, Schoener's D values ranged from 0.46 to 0.57 and Hellinger's distance (I) values ranged from 0.62 to 0.70, suggesting moderate overlap of ecological niches of <i>Z. tau</i> under future climate scenarios. This study provides an important basis for the prediction and assessment of <i>Z. tau</i> dispersal risk in the context of climate change, as well as theoretical support for pest monitoring and control decision-making, which is of positive significance for the promotion of sustainable development of agriculture and forestry.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1900075"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13462416/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148727665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trehalose metabolism: an integrative hub linking energy homeostasis and development in insects.","authors":"Sharada D Mohite, Rakesh S Joshi","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1872741","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1872741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trehalose metabolism in insects represents an evolutionarily conserved metabolic hub regulated by endocrine pathways that couple energy balance to the successful execution and robustness of developmental transition. As the principal circulating sugar in insects, trehalose exhibits unique physicochemical properties that confer both metabolic efficiency and resilience to environmental stress, positioning it as a central currency in insect physiology. Emerging evidence reveals that trehalose metabolism operates as a dynamic interface linking endocrine signaling, nutrient sensing, and developmental transitions. Through coordinated interactions with regulatory hormonal systems such as adipokinetic hormone, insulin-like peptides, juvenile hormone, and ecdysteroids, trehalose metabolism is closely linked to nutrient-sensing pathways, including AMPK, TOR, and FoxO, that collectively shape growth, metamorphosis, and stress tolerance. Perturbations in trehalose metabolic enzymes consistently disrupt developmental homeostasis, leading to defects in molting, reproduction, and survival. Overall, these findings support the view that trehalose is a key energy substrate that plausibly integrates endocrine regulation, nutrient status, and developmental transitions. Emerging evidence suggests that trehalose metabolism may contribute to the metabolic conditions influencing life-history transitions, although further mechanistic studies are needed to establish its signaling functions. By synthesizing recent advances across molecular, physiological, and ecological scales, this review highlights trehalose metabolism as a critical nexus in insect developmental biology and a promising, yet underexploited, target for next-generation pest management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1872741"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13458987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148715189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"European agricultural pest management practices following the Green Deal - gaps and challenges.","authors":"Adalbert Balog, Hugh D Loxdale, Artúr Botond Csorba, Sándor Keszthelyi","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1901258","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1901258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The European Green Deal, the main aim of which is to substantially change the agricultural production systems through the Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy, has caused the most significant reconsideration of pest management in the European Union (EU) in a generation. Since 2020, several regulatory and policy measures have affected pest management decisions, including revised risk assessment procedures for plant protection products, restrictions on certain emergency derogations, updated rules facilitating microbial biological control agents, and the integration of IPM (Integrated Pest Management)-related measures into the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) eco-schemes. At the same time, implementation has been challenging. The proposed Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR), which aimed to introduce binding pesticide reduction targets and additional restrictions in sensitive areas, was withdrawn in 2024 following political disagreement within the EU Commission and concerns regarding implementation feasibility. As a result, pesticide governance remains primarily based on the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD), national action plans, and CAP-supported measures. This mini review synthesizes the post Green Deal policy timeline, identifies regulatory factors that directly affect farmers' pest management choices, examines emerging quantitative trends, and discusses practical implications for industry, advisory systems, and growers. Particular attention is given to the opportunities and limitations of Harmonized Risk Indicators (HRIs) - notably their sales-based nature and limited capacity to reflect actual ecological exposure, alongside uneven IPM implementation among Member States and emerging climate-driven pest pressures.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1901258"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13439864/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148681847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota in <i>Anacanthotermes turkestanicus</i> and <i>A. ahngerianus</i> reveals diet- and habitat-driven functional divergence.","authors":"Ulugbek Togaev, Vartika Mathur, Aziza Rakhmonkulova, Surbhi Agarwal, Aarav Mathur, Shuhrat Turageldiyev, Rasul Ruzmetov, Abboskhon S Turaev, Zaitjan Tillyabaev, Alimjan Matchanov, David Sillam-Dussès","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1807673","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1807673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gut microbiome of termites plays a crucial role in lignocellulose degradation and nutrient recycling. This study presents the first metagenomic characterization of the gut microbiota in two lower termite species, <i>Anacanthotermes ahngerianus</i> and <i>Anacanthotermes turkestanicus</i>, collected from distinct ecological habitats. In Uzbekistan, the first lives in building a mound in nature in the West part while the second mainly lives in contact with human constructions in the East part without building a proper mound. Both species showed similar bacterial dominance (~53%) in their guts but <i>A. ahngerianus</i> exhibited higher overall microbial diversity (Shannon index: 4.046 vs. 3.363; Simpson's index: 0.927 vs. 0.776). Moreover, both termite species showed differences in microbial profiles, including bacterial taxa and eukaryotic groups relevant to lower-termite gut symbiosis. Protist-associated eukaryotic reads were retained because flagellated protists are essential symbionts of lower termites, whereas unexpected non-protist eukaryotic assignments were interpreted cautiously and were not used as evidence of functional gut symbionts or host adaptation. Functional profiling revealed enrichment of pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid transport, and energy production in both species. However, <i>A. turkestanicus</i> exhibited stronger bacterial dominance associated with lignocellulose degradation and nitrogen cycling, while <i>A. ahngerianus</i> maintained a more balanced representation of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These findings suggest that species identity and ecological habits may be associated with differences in gut microbiome structure and predicted functional potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1807673"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13407385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of repellents against fleas and ticks: a field trial on free roaming dogs in Mali, West Africa.","authors":"Amy Junnila, Edita E Revay, Mohamed Traore, Sekou F Traore, Abdoul Habib Beavogui, Alexey M Prozorov, Tatiana A Prozorova, Julia S Volkova, Aidas Saldaitis, Roman V Yakovlev, Karen McKenzie, Rui-De Xue, Gunter C Muller","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1811490","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1811490","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study evaluated the efficacy of repellent products in protecting free‑roaming dogs from flea and tick infestations in Mali, West Africa. The work included a comparative assessment of four commonly marketed collar‑type repelling devices-the ultrasonic collar (TICKLESS Mini Dog), the plastic botanical‑based collar (MEDIDOG Natürliches Zeckenhalsband), the ceramic‑bead collar with microbial coating (Bailey Bijoux), and the natural amber bead collar (PetLove Bernsteinkette)-alongside a biocidal SpotOn formulation (TGF X‑Line SpotOn) containing 9.9% <i>Eucalyptus citriodora</i> oil (H/C). These collar‑type products are widely promoted as non‑chemical alternatives but remain poorly supported by empirical evidence. Ultrasonic collars claim to emit high‑frequency sound waves intended to deter fleas and ticks, whereas ceramic, plastic, and amber collars rely on passive mechanisms such as surface charge, friction, or volatile compounds released from the materials. The SpotOn formulation, in contrast, functions through volatile plant compounds presumed to act on parasite chemoreceptors and reduce attachment without relying on insecticidal killing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The evaluation was conducted in two parallel phases. The first trial focused on small dogs (3-6 kg) to allow sensitive comparison across all repellent products. All repellents were tested together, with 10 dogs in the SpotOn group, 6 dogs assigned to each collar‑type treatment, and 10 untreated dogs as controls over an 86‑day study period. A second trial assessed the SpotOn formulation across a broader range of body sizes to determine whether efficacy was maintained when applied at the recommended dose for heavier dogs. In this phase, 40 dogs-20 medium (6-15 kg) and 20 large (15-30 kg)-were enrolled and monitored for reinfestation over the same period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Laboratory assays confirmed that the SpotOn's primary mode of action was repellency rather than insecticidal activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that regular application of the SpotOn provides effective, long‑lasting protection against fleas and ticks under challenging field conditions, whereas none of the tested collar‑type products showed significant repellent effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1811490"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13382635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving RNAi in the fall armyworm, <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i>.","authors":"Anil Kumar Moola, Subba Reddy Palli","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1820222","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1820222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rising incidence of resistance to conventional chemical insecticides necessitates the development of novel, sustainable pest management strategies. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a highly specific alternative; however, its practical application in lepidopteran pests is often limited by low efficacy due to rapid dsRNA degradation, inefficient transport of dsRNA to the site of action, and suboptimal target gene selection. While nanoformulated dsRNA has been shown to improve RNAi efficiency, delivery enhancement alone does not consistently result in high mortality. In the current study, we used PLL/EGCG/dsRNA nanoformulations to improve RNAi-based control of <i>S. frugiperda</i>. We first validated the effectiveness of nanoparticle-mediated RNAi in <i>S. frugiperda</i> by targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) gene. Nanoformulated dsRNA targeting IAP resulted in substantial gene silencing, with an 80% reduction in target gene mRNA levels and 63% larval mortality, confirming that improved dsRNA delivery can significantly enhance RNAi efficacy in lepidopterans. We extended our analysis to evaluate an additional 14 candidate genes selected from recent genome-wide RNAi screens that identified superior RNAi targets. Orthologs of these genes in S. frugiperda, including proteasome subunit β-type 4 (BT4) and 60S ribosomal protein L11 (RPL11), were targeted using PLL/EGCG/dsRNA nanoformulations. Although these genes induced moderate larval mortality, their effects were consistently lower than those observed with IAP, indicating that IAP remains a more effective RNAi target among the genes evaluated in <i>S. frugiperda</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1820222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13364971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148451294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}