Wang_2025_Pest.Manag.Sci__2

BACKGROUND: Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee) is a polyphagous pest that causes considerable damage to fruit trees, maize and other crops. Avermectin is a biogenic insecticide commonly used in integrated pest management. However, the sublethal effects of avermectin on C. punctiferalis have not been reported. Present study investigates the potential of avermectin for controlling C. punctiferalis, and further examines its sublethal effects and underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that avermectin exposure led to a significant decrease in female fecundity and ovarian development in both the F(0) and F(1) generations, accompanied by reduced levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), juvenile hormone (JH), vitellogenin (Vg) and its receptor (VgR). Furthermore, the F(1) generation exhibited reduced egg hatchability, lighter pupal weights, shorter lifespan as adult and lower reproductive output, as well as extended durations for both egg and larval development. Two-sex life-table analysis revealed significant reductions in intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (lambda), net reproductive rate (R(0)) and fecundity (F), whereas the total preoviposition period (TPOP) and mean generation time (T) were extended. Importantly, the activities and gene expression levels of carboxylesterase (CarE), cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT) showed significantly induction in both the F(0) and F(1) generations. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the inhibitory effects of sublethal concentrations of avermectin on C. punctiferalis under laboratory conditions, contributing valuable insights for its scientific application and sustainable pest management strategies. 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.