Transcriptome Analysis and Characterization of Two Detoxification Genes Responding to Imidacloprid in Aphis spiraecola

Abstract

Simple Summary Aphis spiraecola is an important pest of fruit trees, and imidacloprid is widely used for its control. However, how this aphid responds to imidacloprid over time and which detoxification genes contribute to its susceptibility remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent physiological and molecular responses of an A. spiraecola population from Zhengzhou to imidacloprid. Imidacloprid exposure significantly increased the activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases, and carboxylesterases, while inhibitors of P450s and carboxylesterases enhanced imidacloprid toxicity. Transcriptome and qPCR analyses further identified several detoxification genes that were strongly induced after treatment. Functional analysis using RNA interference showed that silencing of CYP6CY19 and CarE6 significantly increased aphid susceptibility to imidacloprid. These findings demonstrate that CYP6CY19 and CarE6 are important components of the detoxification response to imidacloprid. This study improves our understanding of insecticide responses in A. spiraecola and may support more rational insecticide use and sustainable aphid management.