RNAi‐mediated silencing of SlitPer disrupts sex pheromone communication behavior in Spodoptera litura

• Published in: Pest management science 2023-10, Vol.79 (10), p.3993-3998
• Main Authors: Yang, Hui‐Hui, Li, Jian‐Qiao, Ma, Sai, Yao, Wei‐Chen, Chen, Yu‐Wen, El Wakil, Abeer, Dewer, Youssef, Zhu, Xiu‐Yun, Sun, Liang, Zhang, Ya‐Nan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calling behavior; Chemical communication; Circadian rhythm; Circadian rhythms; Clock gene; Cockroaches; Communication; Desaturase; Females; Gas chromatography; Insects; Molecular modelling; Oviposition; period; Pheromones; Polymerase chain reaction; RNA-mediated interference; RNAi; Sex; Sex pheromone; sex pheromone communication; Sexual behavior; Spodoptera litura
• ISSN: 1526-498X; 1526-4998
• DOI: 10.1002/ps.7593

Background The 24‐h circadian rhythm is considered crucial for insect sexual communication. However, its molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, particularly the roles of the clock gene period (Per), remain largely unclear. The sex pheromone communication behavior of Spodoptera litura displays typical circadian rhythm characteristics. Thus, it represents an excellent model for functional analyses of the clock gene Per. Results In this study, we investigated the potential roles of SlitPer in regulating sex pheromone communication in S. litura using RNA interference, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), gas chromatography, and behavioral assays. The qPCR results showed that the expression levels of SlitPer and two desaturase genes (SlitDes5 and SlitDes11) in the siPer group differed significantly at most time points from those in the siNC group. Dynamic variation in the three major sex pheromone titers and calling behavior of S. litura females in the siPer group was disordered. In addition, the mating rates of siPer S. litura females decreased significantly by 33.33%. Oviposition by mated siPer females was substantially reduced by 84.84%. Conclusion These findings provide a fundamental basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism by which Per regulates sex pheromone communication behavior in lepidopteran species. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. Here, we comprehensively investigate the potential roles of SlitPer in regulation of the sex pheromone communication behavior of Spodoptera litura using RNA interference, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, gas chromatography, and behavioral assays. Our findings provide a fundamental basis to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which Per regulates the sex pheromone communication behavior of lepidopteran species.