Impact of low lethal concentrations of buprofezin on biological traits and expression profile of chitin synthase 1 gene (CHS1) in melon aphid, Aphis gossypii

Abstract

Buprofezin, a chitin synthesis inhibitor that can be used for the control of hemipteran pests, especially melon aphid, Aphis gossypii. The impact of low lethal concentrations of buprofezin on the biological parameters and expression profile of CHS1 gene were estimated for two successive generations of A. gossypii. The present result shows that the LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ of buprofezin significantly decreased the fecundity and longevity of both generations. Exposure of F₀ individuals to both concentrations delay the developmental period in F₁. Furthermore, the survival rate, intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R₀) were reduced significantly in progeny generation at both concentrations. However, the reduction in gross reproductive rate (GRR) was observed only at LC₃₀. Although, the mean generation time (T) prolonged substantially at LC₃₀. Additionally, expression of the CHS1 gene was significantly increased in F₀ adults. Significant increase in the relative abundance of CHS1 mRNA transcript was also observed at the juvenile and adult stages of F₁ generation following exposure to LC₁₅ and LC₃₀. Therefore, our results show that buprofezin could affect the biological traits by diminishing the chitin contents owing to the inhibition of chitin synthase activity in the succeeding generation of melon aphid.

Introduction

The melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a cosmopolitan sap-sucking pest that infests plants of Cucurbitaceae family worldwide^1,2. A. gossypii cause damage to plants through direct feeding by curling and deforming the young leaves and twigs³. Moreover, melon aphids affect plants indirectly by transmitting plant viruses such as Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)² and by secreting honeydew, which causes the growth of black sooty mold⁴. The melon aphid transmits 76 viral diseases across 900 known host plants⁵. Different tactics have been used to control A. gossypii, but still, pesticides application remains the primary tool of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs against this pest⁶. However, the widespread use of insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids has led to the development of resistance in aphids throughout the world^7–9. Notably, previous studies stated that A. gossypii show higher resistance against neonicotinoid insecticides^7,8. The increased resistance of A. gossypii against imidacloprid has been documented in China¹⁰.

Chitin is a polymer of N-acetyl-b-D-glucosamine which are crucial for insects in maintaining shape, providing strength and protection^11,12. Chitin biosynthesis pathway is catalyzed by two chitin synthase enzymes encoded by two genes, i.e., Chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) and chitin synthase 2 (CHS2) having a significant role in insect growth and development^11,13. CHS1 is expressed in the exoskeleton structures encoding the isoform of enzymes that are responsible for the catalysis of chitin production in the cuticle^14,15. CHS2 is mainly present in the midgut epithelial cells encoding enzymes to synthesize chitin in the insect midgut¹⁶. CHS1 gene has been cloned in many insects such as brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida¹⁷, soybean aphid, Aphis glycines¹⁸, Bactrocera dorsalis¹⁹, Plutella xylostella²⁰, Nilaparvata lugens²¹ and Locusta migratoria²². Despite that, due to the lacking of the peritrophic membrane, CHS2 was not present in some insect pests^12,17,18. The molting process accompanied by the formation of the cuticle is crucial for insect growth; therefore, suppression of chitin biosynthesis gives us an ideal platform for insect control^17,18.

Insect growth regulator²³, a class of insecticide having low vertebrate toxicity with a unique mode of action from currently used broad-spectrum neurotoxic insecticides²⁴. Many IGRs have shown high efficiency against various insect species, as it disrupts the molting process of insect pest during developmental stages²⁴, e.g. in the orders of Hemiptera²⁵, Lepidoptera²⁶, and Diptera²⁷. Buprofezin is a chitin synthesis inhibitor prepared by Nihon-Nohyaku and is widely used against several sucking pests with very low risk to the environment^25,28–32. Buprofezin is considered to be safe for humans owing to the absence of chitin biosynthesis pathway in vertebrates¹⁸. It has also been stated harmless for the natural enemies under field contexts³². Comprehensive knowledge about the exact mode of action of buprofezin is still lacking. However, initially it suppresses the chitin biosynthesis during molting and causes immature death during cuticle shedding³³. Moreover, it disturbs the oviposition, egg fertility, and reduces fecundity after adult females were treated^25,33.

Owing to the misapplication of pesticides and presence of their residues after degradation in fields³⁴, the exposure of arthropods to low concentrations of these chemicals frequently occurrs, resulting in sublethal effects causing various physiological and behavioral disruptions in surviving organisms³⁵ such as life span³⁶, developmental rate³⁷, fecundity³⁸, feeding behavior³⁹ and also alter the insect population dynamics⁴⁰. Furthermore, such exposure to pesticides may also cause transgenerational effects, i.e., indirectly affecting the descendants⁴¹. Comprehensive studies about the impact of low concentration of insecticides have great importance to increase their rational application against target pests^29,30. Hence, several studies reported the effects of buprofezin at sublethal or low lethal concentrations on insect pests^25,28,29. Studies of these potential sublethal effects in-depth would help to improve the IPM programs.

These sublethal effects are usually detrimental to exposed individuals³⁵. However, several studies have reported stimulatory impact when exposed to low or sublethal concentrations^42–45. The stimulatory effects (known as hormesis) is a phenomenon that is encouraged by low dose while inhibited by high dose exposure of insecticides⁴⁶. Several studies reported these hormetic effects on insect pests following exposure to insecticides, e.g., low dose of imidacloprid cause hormesis effect in Myzus persicae (Sulzer)⁴⁷ and Aphis glycines (Matsumura)⁴⁸. Recently, transgenerational hormesis has been observed in A. gossypii when exposed to nitenpyram at low lethal and sublethal concentration⁴⁵. Besides, previous studies have also shown the insecticide stimulatory effect in A. gossypii at low doses of pirimicarb and flonicamid⁴⁹.

A two-sex life table is widely used for investigating multiple sublethal effects of insecticides on insects, as it allows us to gain comprehensive knowledge that could be underrated at the individual level^50–53. In-depth knowledge about the impact of low lethal concentrations of buprofezin on the biology of A. gossypii is still lacking. To address these gaps, we use age-stage life table parameters to appraise the sublethal and transgenerational effects of buprofezin on biological characteristics of A. gossypii. Moreover, to gain potential knowledge on impact of buprofezin on A. gossypii, we analyzed the expression profile of chitin synthase 1 gene (CHS1) at low dose exposure.

Results

Toxicity of buprofezin on melon aphids

Buprofezin toxicity against A. gossypii was determined following 48 and 72 h exposure (Table 1). The estimated value of LC₁₅ was 1.125 mg L⁻¹ and LC₃₀ was 2.888 mg L⁻¹, while LC₅₀ was 7.586 mg L⁻¹ after 48 h exposure of buprofezin. Similarly, the LC₁₅, LC_30, and LC₅₀ were 0.435 mg L⁻¹, 0.898 mg L⁻¹ and 1.886 mg L⁻¹ respectively after 72 h exposure. The toxicity of buprofezin was higher at 72 h exposure. The low lethal concentrations LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ were selected to evaluate the sublethal effects of the buprofezin on the life history traits and expression profile of chitin synthase 1 gene (CHS1) in melon aphid following 72 h exposure.

Table 1.

Toxicity of buprofezin against A. gossypii after 48 and 72 h exposure. ^aStandard error; ^bConfidence limits; ^cChi-square values and degrees of freedom.

Treatments	Slope ± SEa	LC15 mg L−1 (95% CLb)	LC30 mg L−1 (95% CLb)	LC50 mg L−1 (95% CLb)	χ2 (df)c	P
Buprofezin (48 h)	1.251 ± 0.165	1.125 (0.748 to 1.504)	2.888 (2.231 to 3.804)	7.586 (5.493 to 12.232)	3.358 (16)	0.999
Buprofezin (72 h)	1.627 ± 0.149	0.435 (0.302 to 0.571)	0.898 (0.702 to 1.098)	1.886 (1.570 to 2.274)	11.113 (16)	0.802

Sublethal effects of buprofezin on parental aphids (F₀)

LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin have significant effects on parental A. gossypii following 72 h exposure. Both concentrations (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) significantly decreased the longevity (F = 103.22; df = 2, 25; P < 0.001) and fecundity (F = 160.40; df = 2, 25; P < 0.001) of the exposed F₀ population. Furthermore, LC₃₀ concentration of buprofezin showed a stronger effect compared to LC₁₅ and the control (Table 2).

Table 2.

Mean ( ± SE) developmental times (d) of various life stages of F₁ generation A. gossypii produced from parents (F₀) and longevity (d) and fecundity (d) of F₀ generation treated with LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin for 72 h compared to the untreated control.

Treatments	1st instar	2nd instar	3rd instar	4th instar	Pre-adult	Adult Longevity F1	Adult Fecundity F1	Adult Longevity F0	Adult Fecundity F0
Control	1.85 ± 0.07b	1.48 ± 0.07b	1.32 ± 0.06b	1.03 ± 0.02c	5.68 ± 0.06c	25.38 ± 0.68a	35.17 ± 0.23a	21.16 ± 0.61a	28.86 ± 0.82a
LC15	1.97 ± 0.05b	1.62 ± 0.06b	1.47 ± 0.07b	1.28 ± 0.05b	6.33 ± 0.07b	18.40 ± 0.48b	28.30 ± 0.81b	14.03 ± 0.61b	18.03 ± 0.84b
LC30	2.17 ± 0.04a	1.98 ± 0.06a	1.88 ± 0.07a	1.82 ± 0.07a	7.85 ± 0.05a	10.83 ± 0.55c	12.27 ± 0.25c	8.30 ± 0.67c	9.01 ± 0.66c

Different letters within the same column represent significant differences at P < 0.05 level (one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD tests).

Transgenerational sublethal effects of buprofezin on progeny aphids (F₁)

Impact of low lethal concentrations of buprofezin on progeny A. gossypii (F₁) were determined (Table 2). The mean longevity (F = 153.82; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) and fecundity (F = 527.07; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) of F₁ generation significantly decreased for LC₃₀ and LC₁₅. Furthermore, after exposure of F₀ individuals to the LC₃₀ of buprofezin, the developmental period of 1^st instar (F = 7.58; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) and 2^nd instar (F = 14.19; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) of F₁ individuals were significantly prolonged. Similarly the duration of 3^rd instar (F = 16.31; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) and 4^th instar (F = 48.43; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) also increased significantly at LC₃₀ of buprofezin. The total duration of pre-adult period (F = 273.70; df = 2, 178; P < 0.001) significantly increased in the offspring of F₀ generation after treated by both concentrations of buprofezin compared to the control.

Paired bootstrap technique was applied to determine the transgenerational impact of buprofezin (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) on population growth using TWOSEX MS chart program⁵⁴. The population parameters of F₁ individuals, such as λ, r, R_0, and GRR were reduced at LC₃₀ concentration. Obvious increase was noted for the mean generation time (T) at LC₃₀. However, no effects were observed for the LC₁₅ of buprofezin (Table 3). The age-stage specific survival rate (s_xj) curves indicated variations in the developmental rates occurring among juvenile stages. Moreover, overlapping between different immature stages were shown in control (Fig. 1A), LC₁₅ (Fig. 1B) and LC₃₀ concentration of buprofezin (Fig. 1C). The adult survival rates differed among the buprofezin treatments (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) and the control. Furthermore, the declined survival rate of melon aphid adults for LC₃₀ concentration was recorded at the 12^th day (Fig. 1C) and the 16^th day was recorded for LC₁₅ concentration (Fig. 1B), while the decline survival rate of melon aphid adults for the control was recorded at the 23^rd day (Fig. 1A).

Table 3.

Transgenerational effects of buprofezin on population parameters of the F₁ generation of A. gossypii whose parents (F₀ generation) were treated with LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations compared to untreated control. r: intrinsic rate of increase (d⁻¹), λ: finite rate of increase (d⁻¹), R₀: net reproductive rate (offspring/individual), T: mean generation time (d), GRR: gross reproductive rate were calculated using 100,000 bootstraps resampling.

Parameters	Control (Mean ± SE)	LC15 (Mean ± SE)	P value	Control (Mean ± SE)	LC30 (Mean ± SE)	P-value
r	0.302 ± 0.0054a	0.275 ± 0.0050b	0.0002	0.302 ± 5.413a	0.196 ± 0.0030b	<0.001
λ	1.353 ± 0.0073a	1.317 ± 0.0066b	0.0002	1.353 ± 7.325a	1.217 ± 0.0037b	<0.001
R0	35.166 ± 0.302a	28.236 ± 0.820b	<0.001	35.166 ± 0.302a	12.266 ± 0.256b	<0.001
T	11.771 ± 0.217a	12.125 ± 0.212a	0.243	11.771 ± 0.217b	12.741 ± 0.223a	0.0019
GRR	42.412 ± 0.923a	40.529 ± 1.359a	0.221	42.412 ± 0.923a	21.137 ± 0.983b	<0.001

Different letters within the same row show significant differences between control and buprofezin concentration groups (at the P < 0.05 level, paired bootstrap test using TWOSEX MS chart program).

Figure 1.

Age-stage specific survival rate (s_xj) of A. gossypii of the F₁ generation produced from parents (F₀) under control condition (A), treated with LC₁₅ (B), and treated with LC₃₀ (C) of buprofezin.

The age-specific survival rate (l_x), age-specific fecundity (m_x), and the age-specific maternity (l_xm_x) for the treated and control A. gossypii are presented in Fig. 2. Compared to control treatment, the l_x value for LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin declined more rapidly. The population started to decrease after 23 days in control (Fig. 2A), whereas it declined after 16 days and 12 days in the LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin respectively (Fig. 2B,C).

Figure 2.

Age-specific survival rate (l_x), age-specific fecundity (m_x) and age-specific maternity (l_xm_x) of control (A) and A. gossypii individuals of F₁ generation descending from F₀ individuals exposed to the LC₁₅ (B) and LC₃₀ (C) concentrations of buprofezin.

The m_x and l_xm_x values of the exposed A. gossypii were lower as compared to control (Fig. 2).

The age-stage reproductive values (v_xj) of buprofezin treated adult aphids indicated that the v_xj of LC₁₅ (Fig. 3B) and LC₃₀ (Fig. 3C) concentrations of buprofezin was lower in contrast to the control individual (Fig. 3A). The v_xj value of LC₁₅ (6.80 at the age of the 6^th day) and LC₃₀ concentrations (4.9 at the age of the 7^th day) of buprofezin was lower compared to the control aphids (8 at the age of the 5^th day) (Fig. 3). Furthermore, the duration of F₁ aphid’s reproduction was different after F₀ generation exposure to buprofezin (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) compared to the control. The v_xj value more than 4 was found for 17 days in the control group of melon aphid (Fig. 3A), while it was reported 14 and 7 days for LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin, respectively (Fig. 3B,C). The age-stage-specific life expectancy (e_xj) of buprofezin treated A. gossypii (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) was lower as compared to the untreated control group (Fig. 4).

Figure 3.

Age-stage reproductive value (v_xj) of A. gossypii individuals of the F₁ generation produced from parents (F₀) under control conditions (A), treated with LC₁₅ (B) and treated with LC₃₀ (C) concentration of buprofezin.

Figure 4.

Age-stage specific survival rate (e_xj) of A. gossypii descending from parents (F₀) under control condition (A), treated with LC₁₅ (B), and treated with LC₃₀ (C) concentrations of buprofezin.

Sublethal effects of buprofezin on the expression profile of CHS1 gene in melon aphid

Expression profile of CHS1 gene in melon aphids was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) during F₀ adult and all developmental stages as well as newly emerged adult F₁ individuals. The results indicated that the mRNA level was up-regulated in F₀ adults and almost all stages of F₁ melon aphids at LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ of buprofezin, after the exposure of parent generation (F₀) for 72 h (Fig. 5). However, CHS1 gene was relatively highly expressed in F₀ adults treated with LC₃₀ (3.51-fold), while it was 2.59-fold increase for the case of LC₁₅ concentration of buprofezin. In the case of F₁ generation descending from the treated parent (F₀), CHS1 gene was constantly expressed in aphids from 1^st instar to the newly emerged adult aphid. The mRNA level of CHS1 was highly expressed in the 1^st instar (1.91-fold) and 2^nd instar nymph (1.44-fold) following exposure to buprofezin LC₃₀. For LC₁₅ - treated group, the relative expression was 1.81- and 1.50-fold for the 1^st and 2^nd instar nymph respectively, compared to the control. The CHS1 gene was abundantly expressed 1.33-fold in 3^rd instar and 1.60-fold in the 4^th instar nymph after exposure to LC₃₀, while they showed 1.24- and 1.53-fold increase for LC₁₅ concentration of buprofezin. In F₁ newly emerged adults, 2.50- and 1.78-fold abundance of the CHS1 were observed at LC₃₀ and LC₁₅ concentrations of buprofezin, respectively (Fig. 5). The transcriptional level of CHS1 gene increased 2.80- and 1.90-fold in parental aphids (F₀) following 48 h exposure to the LC₃₀ and LC₁₅ concentrations of buprofezin respectively (Supplementary Fig. S1). While no effects were observed in the progeny generation (F₁). No significant increase was noted for the CHS1 gene transcription when melon aphids were treated to the two low lethal concentrations of buprofezin for 24 h (Supplementary Fig. S2).

Figure 5.

Relative expression levels of the chitin synthase 1 gene (CHS1) in F₀ adults and in all developmental stages along with newly emerged adult melon aphid of F₁ generation descending from the parent (F₀) exposed to the LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations of buprofezin for 72 h. The relative expression level is expressed as the mean (±SE) with the control as the calibrator. Different letters above the error bars indicate significant differences at P < 0.05 level (one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD tests).

Discussion

The impact of buprofezin on the biological traits and expression profile of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene of melon aphid were investigated following exposure to low lethal concentrations of this pesticide. Sublethal effects of buprofezin, e.g. reduced longevity and fertility have been reported in various insect pests, e.g. Sogatella furcifera Horvath (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)^29,30, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)²⁵, Eretmocerus mundus Mercet (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)²⁵, Encarsia inaron (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)²⁸. In this study, the impact of buprofezin at low lethal concentrations were examined demographically among two subsequent generations of A. gossypii. The results showed a decrease in longevity and fecundity of A. gossypii at LC₁₅, and even more markedly at LC₃₀ concentration of buprofezin in the progeny generation individuals. Similar effects were reported in the previous studies where the fecundity and longevity of S. furcifera females significantly reduced at sublethal doses of buprofezin^29,30. The adult longevity and fecundity were decreased considerably when A. gossypii was treated to the LC₁₀ and LC₄₀ of cycloxaprid⁵⁵. Additionally, low fertility has also been documented in A. gossypii⁵⁶, B. brassicae⁵⁷, and Diaphorina citri⁵⁸ at sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid. Buprofezin inhibits the prostaglandin biosynthesis in N. lugens when treated to the sublethal concentrations resulting in spawning suppression⁵⁹. Similar results have also been reported for a low dose of pyriproxyfen in Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)⁶⁰, P. xylostella⁴¹ and Choristoneura rosaceana⁶¹ (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)⁶². These studies suggested that low lethal or sublethal concentrations of insecticides, including IGRs, adversely affect the longevity as well as the fecundity of exposed insect pests, which can be widely diffused in various IPM programs.

Transgenerational effects on the offspring of treated A. gossypii (F₀) were also found. The longevity and fecundity of F₁ individuals were decreased significantly at LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ concentrations, while the pre-adult period was increased. These effects are related to the reductions of F₁ demographical parameters. We had shown the data that the demographical parameters, e.g. r, λ, and R₀ were reduced significantly in F₁ generation when its parents (F₀) were subjected to LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ of buprofezin compared to the control; however, such negative impact on gross reproduction rate (GRR) was only evident at LC₃₀ concentration of buprofezin. Previously, similar effects were documented on the offspring of white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera²⁹, cotton aphid, A. gossypii⁶³, and brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus⁶⁴ when subjected to the sublethal concentrations of buprofezin, sulfoxaflor, and thiamethoxam.

The analysis of the plotted curves for the s_xj, l_x, m_x, l_xm_x, and e_xj showed the adverse effects of buprofezin on the population growth parameters of A. gossypii. The v_xj stated that the reproduction duration of melon aphids was negatively affected when exposed to low doses buprofezin. The pre-adult period and mean generation time (T) were increased due to different physical and chemical processes when treated with buprofezin. Similar effects at the demographical level have been presented in various other reports^29,30,65,66. Previous reports suggested that exposure to sublethal concentrations of buprofezin can suppress the population growth of S. furcifera via impact on their survival and reproduction^29,30. Additionally, adverse effects at the demographical level have been reported in melon aphid at 25 and 100 ppm of cucurbitacin B⁶⁵. Moreover, sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid and pirimicarb decreased the longevity and population growth of A gossypii⁶⁷. Soybean aphid also showed been reduced population growth when they were exposed to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid⁴⁸.

Chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) is crucial for the chitin synthesis¹¹, which has been studied in various insects including soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, and brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida^17,18. In this study, the relative transcript level of CHS1 gene was up-regulated in the F₀ adult and in all nymphal stages of F₁ generation when exposed to LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ of buprofezin for 72 h. A previous study documented similar results for the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) when exposed to the LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ (0.10 and 0.28 mg/L) of buprofezin³⁰. Additionally, the diflubenzuron exposure in insects including Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Panonychus citri McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae), and Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Aphididae) resulted in increased expression of CHS1 gene, which may be linked to increased mortality^17,18,68,69. As the IGRs including buprofezin causes reduction in chitin content owing to the inhibition of chitin synthase activity in the exposed insect pests, which are translated into abortive molting, reduce longevity, decrease fecundity, and direct mortality^{17,18,30,68,69}. In our investigations, the melon aphid population dynamics were reduced owing to the low lethal concentrations of buprofezin, suggesting their effectiveness against this insect pests. Moreover, the increasing abundance of CHS1 mRNA transcript may result from a regulatory feedback mechanism that compensates the CHS enzyme activity inhibited by buprofezin. The compensation mechanism that is proposed through overexpression of CHS1 gene translated into overproduction of the CHS1 protein. However, owing to the buprofezin exposure, the potential overproduction of CHS1 protein would be insufficient to maintain a vital level of CHS catalytic activity. Finally, the compensation mechanism failed to restore the enzymatic activity in the presence of buprofezin translated into reduced chitin production and causes the insect mortality.

In contrast to all these results, several studies documented no effect of insect growth regulator (e.g., diflubenzuron) on CHS1 gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum^70,71. Therefore, future work needed to understand the biological significance of CHS1 gene comprehensively and as well as the relevant molecular mechanisms in the buprofezin exposed insects.

In conclusion, the LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ were used to understand the consequences of buprofezin on the biological traits and as well as their impact on the expression level of CHS1 gene in A. gosspii for over two successive generations. Results indicated a significant reduction of parental aphid’s longevity and fertility when treated to the LC₁₅ and LC₃₀ of buprofezin. Moreover, both concentrations of buprofezin delay the aphid developmental stage and suppress the population growth of the progeny generation (F₁). Also, the CHS1 gene mRNA abundance was increased significantly at both concentrations following 72 h exposure. However, the effects observed from confined experimental scales may not translate into population effects under field contexts. Therefore, further investigation is necessary under field conditions to fully understand the potential of buprofezin’s integration into an optimized IPM strategy to control this insect pest.

Materials and Methods

Insects and insecticide

Melon aphid was originally collected from melon plants at Weifang District, Shandong Province, China. These insects were reared on fresh cucumber plants and were maintained under standard laboratory conditions with a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% relative humidity (RH) and a 16:8 h light/dark photoperiod. Buprofezin with 97.4%, of active ingredient, was obtained from Jiangsu Anpon Electrochemical Co., Ltd. China.

Toxicity of buprofezin against Aphis gossypii

Toxicity of buprofezin was tested on A. gossypii using widely applied leaf dip bioassay procedure^48,66,72,73. To ensure that all melon aphids were of same age and life instar, about 450 melon aphid adults were introduced on fresh cucumber plants. All adult aphids were removed after 24 hours while the offspring were allowed to grow on plants for eight days without any insecticide application. At this time, the newly-born nymphs passed all developmental stages and became apterous adults^65,66.

The stock solution of buprofezin (active ingredient 97.4%) was prepared in acetone. The concentrations were further diluted with distilled water containing 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 to obtain six concentrations (8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg L⁻¹) for bioassays. Fresh leaf discs of cucumber plants were dipped for 15 s in the buprofezin solutions. After air drying, discs of cucumber plants were placed on agar bed (2%) in the 12-well tissue culture plate. Adult aphids were inoculated on the treated disc using a soft brush. The plates were covered with Parafilm (Chicago, USA). Each treatment has three replications, and 20–30 aphids per replicate were used in bioassay. Distilled water containing 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 was used as a control. All plates were placed in standard laboratory conditions with a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C, RH of 75% and a 16:8 h light/dark cycle (L:D). After 48 and 72 h exposures, aphid’s mortality was checked. Aphids were considered dead if not show any movement after pushing gently^48,74. Mortality of controlled aphids was less than 10%. PoloPlus 2.00 was used to determine the LC₁₅, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ of buprofezin.

Sublethal effects of buprofezin on F₀ melon aphid

The life history traits of parental A. gossypii (F₀) were investigated following the previously described methods with slight modifications^65,66. The stock solution of buprofezin was prepared using acetone. The tested concentrations of buprofezin (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) was prepared in distilled water containing 0.05% triton X-100. The low lethal concentrations of buprofezin (LC₁₅ and LC₃₀) were selected to determine their impact on melon aphids, as most of the pesticides were degraded after initial application by various factors^34,75. Insecticide exposure was carried out, as discussed above. After 72 h exposure, sixty live and healthy aphids were collected from buprofezin treatments (LC₁₅, LC₃₀₎ and control. The apterous melon aphid adults collected from LC₁₅, LC₃₀ and control were inoculated on fresh leaf discs individually^65,66. Placed the treated discs on agar bed (2%) in the 12-well tissue culture plate. Parafilm (Chicago, USA) was used to cover the plate to prevent aphids escape. Fresh leaf discs were replaced throughout the experiment at every 3^rd day. All plates from buprofezin treatments (LC₁₅, LC₃₀) and control were placed under laboratory conditions as mentioned above. Longevity, as well as fecundity of A. gossypii, were noted daily till death.

Transgenerational effects of buprofezin on F₁Aphis gossypii

Impact of buprofezin at low lethal concentrations on the progeny generation (F₁) of melon aphids were evaluated using the same method and treatments as discussed previously. The newly-born nymphs were individually retained on each insecticide-free cucumber leaf disc, and they were used as F₁ generation of melon aphid. Sixty aphids were used for each of the treatment (LC₁₅, LC₃₀) and control. Each aphid was considered as a single replication. The number of offspring were counted on a daily basis until the death of the adults.

Impact of buprofezin on chitin synthase 1 gene expression at low lethal concentrations in melon aphid

Impact of buprofezin exposure on chitin synthase 1 gene expression in melon aphid was evaluated using the same experimental setup as described above. Survived healthy melon aphid adults were collected after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure and stored in −80 °C as F₀ generation. For F₁ generation, exposed aphids collected from LC₁₅, LC₃₀ and control were transferred to new 20 mm diameter insecticide-free cucumber leaf discs. Aphids were collected at 4 developmental and newly emerged adult stages from both buprofezin treatments and control representing F₁ generation. Total RNA was isolated from the exposed A. gossypii using TRIzol® reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) following the manufacturer’s instruction. NAS-99 spectrophotometer (ACTGene) was used to analyze the RNA purity. Total RNA (1 μg) was used to synthesize the cDNA using the PrimeScript® RT Reagent Kit with the gDNA Eraser (Takara, Dalian, China). Real-time qPCR was performed using the SYBR® Premix Ex Taq™ (Tli RNaseH Plus) (Takara, Dalian, China). Primers for qPCR were synthesized using PRIMER 3.0 (http://bioinfo.ut.ee/primer3-0.4.0/) based on the conserved sequence of Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) CH1 gene (GenBank No. JQ246352.1) (Table 4). Elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1α), beta-actin (β-ACT) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as an internal reference genes⁷⁶. The reaction volume for qPCR was 20 μL including 10 μL of the SYBR®Premix Ex Taq, 1 μL of cDNA template, 0.4 μL of each primer, 0.4 μL of ROX Reference Dye II, and 7.8 μL of RNase-free water. The thermal cycling condition was initiated at 95 °C for 30 s, followed by 40 cycles of 95 °C for 5 s and 60 °C for 34 s, and a dissociation stage at 95 °C for 15 s, 60 °C for 1 min and 95 °C for 30 s, and 60 °C for 15 s. Three independent biological replicates with three technical replications were carried out for each qRT-PCR. To check the amplification efficiencies and cycle threshold (Ct), the standard curve was established with serial dilutions of cDNA (1, 1/10, 1/100, 1/1000, 1/10,000, and 1/100,000). Quantification of gene transcription was calculated using 2^−∆∆Ct method⁷⁷.

Table 4.

Primer sequences for chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) and internal control genes used to determine the expression profile in A. gossypii following exposure to buprofezin.

Primer name	Sequence (5′-3′)	Application
CHS1-F	ATTGCGTCACGATGATCCTT	qRT-PCR
CHS1-R	TGGTCGCTAGACGTTCACAC	qRT-PCR
EF1α-F	GAAGCCTGGTATGGTTGTCGT	qRT-PCR
EF1α-R	GGGTGGGTTGTTCTTTGTG	qRT-PCR
β-Actin-F	GGGAGTCATGGTTGGTATGG	qRT-PCR
β-Actin-R	TCCATATCGTCCCAGTTGGT	qRT-PCR
GAPDH-F	AACAGTTTTTTGAGTGGCGGT	qRT-PCR
GAPDH-R	TGGTGTCAACTTGGATGCGTA	qRT-PCR

Data analysis

The LC₁₅, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ of buprofezin were analyzed using a log-probit model⁷⁸ as commonly used in various studies^42,48. The demographical (r, λ, R₀, T, and GRR) and basic life table parameters (s_xj, v_xj, l_x, m_x, l_xm_x, and e_xj) were calculated using TWOSEX-MSChart program^54,79,80. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) is classified as the population growth rate when the time advances infinity and population attains the stable age-stage distribution. The population will rise at the rate of e^r per time unit. It was calculated using eq. 1:

$$\sum _{x=0}^{\infty }{e}^{-r(x+1)}{l}_x{m}_x=1$$ 1

The finite rate of increase (λ) is defined as the population growth rate as the time approaches infinity and population attains the stable age stage distribution. It was calculated using Eq. 2:

$$\sum _{x=0}^{\infty }\left({\lambda }^{-(x+1)}\sum _{j=1}^m{f}_{xj}{S}_{xj}\right)=1$$ 2

The net reproductive rate (R₀) is classified as the total fecundity produce by a common insect pest during the whole life. It was calculated using Eq. 3:

$$\sum _{x=0}^{\infty }{l}_x{m}_x=R_0$$ 3

The mean generation time (T) is the duration of time that is needed by a population to enhance to R₀-fold of its size as time advances infinity and the population calms down to a persistent age-stage distribution. It was measured using Eq. 4:

$$T=\frac{\ln R_0}{r}$$ 4

The gross reproduction rate (GRR) was measured using Eq. 5:

$$GRR=\sum _{x=0}^{\infty }{m}_x$$ 5

The age-specific survival rate (l_x) was measured using Eq. 6:

$$l_x=\sum _{j=1}^m{S}_{xj}$$ 6

where m is the number of stages. Age-specific fecundity (m_x) was measured through Eq. 7:

$$m_x=\frac{{\sum }_{j=1}^m{S}_{xj}{f}_{xj}}{{\sum }_{j=1}^m{S}_{xj}}$$ 7

where s_xj is showing the expected survival rate of a newly-born nymph to age x and stage j. The e_xj of an insect of age x and stage y showing the expected time duration to live. It was measured by Eq. 8:

$$e_{xj}=\sum _{i=x}^{\infty }\sum _{y=j}^m{S\prime }_{iy}$$ 8

Where s′_ij is the probability of an insect of age x and stage y will endure to age i and stage j. The age-stage reproductive value (v_xj) is classified as the expectation of an insect of age x and stage y to the future offspring. It was measured using Eq. 9:

$$V_{xj}=\frac{e^{r(x+1)}}{S_{xj}}\sum _{i=x}^{\infty }{e}^{-r(i+1)}\sum _{y=j}^{m}S{\text{'}}_{iy}{f}_{iy}$$ 9

Population parameters were calculated and compared through paired bootstrap test⁸¹ using TWOSEX-MSChart with 100,000 replicates^53,82. The results related to fecundity, longevity, developmental periods and CHS1 expression of A. gossypii were calculated by One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc test (P < 0.05) (IBM, SPSS Statistics).

Author Contributions

F.U. and D.S. designed the experiment. F.U. and H.G. performed the experiments. F.U., H.G., W.X. and D.Q. collected the insects. F.U., H.G. and H.K.Y. analyzed the data. F.U., H.G., N.D., K.T. and P.H. wrote and reviewed the manuscript. D.S. and X.G. Contributed to the reagents/materials.

Data Availability

All data generated and analysed during this study are included in this published article (and its Supplementary Files). Supplementary Table S1: Lifetable of adult A. gossypii (F₀ generation) following 72-h exposure to control solution. Supplementary Table S2: Lifetable of adult A. gossypii (F₀ generation) following 72-h exposure to LC₁₅ of buprofezin. Supplementary Table S3: Lifetable of adult A. gossypii (F₀ generation) following 72-h exposure to LC₃₀ of buprofezin. Supplementary Table S4: Lifetable of progeny generation (F₁) produced by untreated adult A. gossypii. Supplementary Table S5: Lifetable of progeny generation (F₁) produced by parental A. gossypii treated with LC₁₅ of buprofezin. Supplementary Table S6: Lifetable of progeny generation (F₁) produced by parental A. gossypii treated with LC₃₀ of buprofezin.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1038/s41598-019-48199-w.