Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on sex pheromone communication behavior of male Athetis lepigone by upregulating odorant-binding protein 20.

Sex pheromone communication is critical for moth reproduction, relying on olfactory genes such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) expressed in the antennae. This study investigates how chlorantraniliprole stress impacts the sex pheromone communication behaviors of male Athetis lepigone. We found that chlorantraniliprole inhibited calling and mating behaviors. To uncover the underlying mechanism, we identified AlepOBP20, a gene significantly upregulated under insecticide stress, and characterized its binding affinities with sex pheromones and chlorantraniliprole using a series of in vitro methods. Functional analyses through RNA interference, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays confirmed the pivotal role of AlepOBP20 in male moths responding to sublethal chlorantraniliprole stress. These findings suggest AlepOBP20 may help male moths adapt to chlorantraniliprole stress, offering a scientific basis for developing innovative pest control strategies targeting OBPs.