Work

Sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure induces intergenerational fitness costs and mitochondrial alterations in Blattella germanica

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Under real-world conditions, the German cockroach Blattella germanica is frequently exposed to sublethal insecticide concentrations, yet the long-term consequences for population dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the intergenerational effects of sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure in this urban pest. Newly emerged adults were treated with LD 10 or LD 30 , and fitness-related traits and molecular responses were evaluated in the F 0 and F 1 generations. Sublethal exposure reduced fecundity and longevity in the F 0 generation. Parental exposure also induced intergenerational effects in the F 1 generation, including prolonged development, reduced survival, altered reproductive timing, and a decreased net reproductive rate. Population projection analysis indicated that LD 10 suppressed long-term population growth. Chlorpyrifos further induced dose-dependent and intergenerational changes in detoxification-related genes, particularly BgCYP6ER1 and BgCYP6J1 . In addition, mtDNA copy number increased under LD 30 , whereas BgCytb transcription was downregulated in the F 1 generation, suggesting mitochondrial dysregulation under sublethal stress. These findings demonstrate that sublethal chlorpyrifos exposure can induce intergenerational effects on fitness-related traits and molecular responses. and highlight potential implications for pesticide risk assessment and resistance management.

Source: Current Research in Insect Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2026.100136