AUTHOR=Lian Yuyang , Peng Sihua , Yang Xiaofeng , Jia Jingjing , Li Jinlei , Wang Aqiang , Yang Shuyan , Zheng Rongjiao , Zhou Shihao 

TITLE=The vitellogenin receptor gene is involved in lifespan regulation of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) after short-term high-temperature treatment

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.1090348

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.1090348

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Zeugodacus cucurbitae</italic> (Coquillett) is a highly damaging agricultural pest in many tropical and subtropical countries around the world and high temperatures usually affect its survival. To clarify the effect of short-term high temperatures on the survival and lifespan of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic>, newly emerged adults of three consecutive generations (F<sub>1</sub>, F<sub>2</sub>, and F<sub>3</sub>) were exposed to 25 °C, 33 °C, 37 °C, 41 °C, or 45 °C treatments for 1 h. The effect of these temperatures on survival and lifespan was evaluated using biological indicators such as lifespan and pupation rate. Then, to study the molecular regulatory mechanism of the lifespan of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> after short-term high-temperature treatment, we exposed the newly emerged adults to 25 °C or 45 °C treatments for 1 h and used siRNA to interfere with the expression of the <italic>vitellogenin receptor</italic> (<italic>VgR</italic>) gene in the female to study the effect of the <italic>VgR</italic> gene on the lifespan of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic>. The results showed that the survival rate, lifespan, pupae weight, pupation rate, and emergence rate of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> decreased with increased temperature, while the female sex ratio of offspring increased. The heat resistance of females was higher than that of males. Interference with the expression of the <italic>VgR</italic> gene resulted in shortening of the female’s lifespan by approximately 60% after exposure to 25 °C or 45 °C treatments for 1 h, which indicated involvement of the <italic>VgR</italic> gene in the regulation of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> lifespan. This study provides a reference to guide integrated control of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> in high-temperature seasons.</p>