Work

Reduction in Gonad Development and Sperm Motility in Male Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens via RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of tramtrack

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a major rice pest, threatens global food security through rapid reproduction. This study investigates the role of the tramtrack (ttk) gene in male reproductive development and spermatogenesis using RNA interference (RNAi). Gene expression analysis revealed higher ttk levels in testes. RNAi-mediated knockdown of ttk in fourth-instar male nymphs reduced its expression by up to 80%, leading to severely impaired gonad development. Testes, vas deferens, and accessory glands in treated males exhibited 8–89% volume reductions compared to controls, accompanied by a 51–69% decline in sperm count and 60–85% reduction in sperm motility. Consequently, eggs fertilized by treated males showed a 73% decrease in hatching rates, with arrested embryonic development. These findings demonstrate ttk’s critical role in spermatogenesis and gonad maturation in N. lugens, highlighting its potential as an RNAi target for sustainable pest control strategies.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms26083643

Authors: Bo Feng, Yang Hu, Fanghai Wang

Institution: Sun Yat-sen University

Language: English

Topic: Insect Resistance and Genetics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499