Identification and functional characterization of silk fibroin genes in leaf-folding behaviour, silk properties and development of the rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Outbreaks of the rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) poses a significant threat to rice production. Silk-spinning creates an enclosed leaf roll that protects larvae from predators and insecticides, while serving as a feeding site and facilitating host transfer and leaf-folding. Disrupting this behaviour could enhance control strategies. The silk fibroin gene, essential for silk production, remains poorly understood in C. medinalis.