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

TITLE=Function of Vitellogenin receptor gene in reproductive 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.2022.995004

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.995004

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p>Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme heat events. <italic>Zeugodacus cucurbitae</italic> (Coquillett) is an important tropical pest that typically changes its reproductive strategies in response to extremely high temperatures. Newly emerged adults of three consecutive generations (F<sub>1</sub>, F<sub>2</sub>, and F<sub>3</sub>) of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> (Coquillett) were exposed to 25°C, 33°C, 37°C, 41°C, and 45°C treatments for 1 h to clarify the effects of short-term high temperatures on its reproduction. The influence of these temperatures on reproduction was evaluated using indicators, such as egg number. Newly emerged adults were exposed to 25°C and 45°C treatments for 1 h, and the expression of <italic>Vitellogenin receptor</italic> (<italic>VgR</italic>) gene in females was interfered with siRNA, and silencing efficiency of RNAi was evaluated. Results showed that short-term high temperatures, except for F<sub>1</sub> treated at 45°C for 1 h to stimulate oviposition, exert a general adverse effect on the reproduction of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> (Coquillett). All F<sub>3</sub> died after the 45°C treatment for 1 h. Silencing of the <italic>VgR</italic> gene resulted in the significant downregulation of <italic>VgR</italic> gene expression at both 24 and 72 h. The egg number, oviposition days, and hatchability of eggs were significantly lower than those of other treatment groups after interference, and the inhibition effect of egg number was the most evident, with a decrease of 88.4% and 95.2% at 25°C and 45°C, respectively, compared with that of the Control Check (CK). Ovarian development speed and diameter were also significantly lower than those of other treatment groups after the interference. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the integrated control of <italic>Z. cucurbitae</italic> (Coquillett) during high-temperature seasons.</p>