Work

Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Pyridaben on Development, Reproduction, and Vg Gene Expression in Neoseiulus womersleyi

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The predatory mite Neoseiulus womersleyi is a key natural enemy in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), but its efficacy is threatened by non-target effects of acaricides like pyridaben. This study evaluated the transgenerational sublethal effects of pyridaben (LC30 and LC50) on N. womersleyi and explored the role of vitellogenin (Vg) genes. Using two-sex life table analysis, we found that exposure reduced longevity, fecundity, and oviposition period in F0 females, while prolonging immature development and suppressing population growth parameters (r, λ) in F1. Two Vg genes (NwVg1 and NwVg2) were cloned and characterized; their expression was significantly downregulated by pyridaben. RNAi-mediated silencing of NwVg1 or NwVg2 recapitulated the pyridaben-induced reproductive impairments, confirming their functional role. Our results demonstrate that pyridaben imposes multigenerational costs and that its reproductive toxicity is mediated, at least in part, through the suppression of Vg synthesis.

Source: Insects

DOI: 10.3390/insects17010116

Authors: Juan Wei, Chengcheng Li, Cancan Song, Xinyue Yang, Chunxian Jiang, Qing Li

Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Insect-Plant Interactions and Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137