Metabolic Reprogramming Supports Neonicotinoid Resistance in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
TL;DR
Findings indicate that neonicotinoid resistance in Nilaparvata lugens is supported by coordinated remodelling of central metabolism and detoxification and identify two candidate metabolic nodes for further resistance management research.
Abstract
Simple Summary Insecticide resistance makes the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, increasingly difficult to control. Resistance is often linked to enzymes that break down insecticides, but these enzymes also depend on energy and other metabolites produced by the insect. In this study, we compared insecticide-resistant and susceptible brown planthoppers to investigate how metabolism contributes to resistance. Resistant insects showed coordinated changes in pathways related to energy production, protective metabolites, and insecticide detoxification. Two genes, mitochondrial NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP) and UDP-glucosyltransferase 2 (UGT2), were consistently more active in two independently selected resistant strains. Silencing either gene increased the insects’ sensitivity to the neonicotinoid insecticides nitenpyram and clothianidin. These results suggest that neonicotinoid resistance is supported by interconnected changes in both central metabolism and detoxification. NADP and UGT2 may therefore represent useful molecular targets for monitoring resistance and developing improved pest-management strategies.