Effects of pyriproxyfen on development and hormone of the aphis, Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Pyriproxyfen (PPF) has been shown to affect the pupal stage and ecdysone levels in holometabolous insects, such as silkworms and mealworms. It remains unknown whether it affects hemimetabolous insects with their hormone levels in insects lacking a pupal stage. In this laboratory study, bioassays were conducted to investigate the effects of varying doses of PPF on Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was used to determine the types and titers of juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Additionally, the effects of PPF on A. craccivora reproduction and molting, as well as its influence on relevant gene expression, were examined. The results revealed LC50 and LC90 values of 3.84 and 7.49 mg/l for PPF, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the titer of JH III and a significant increase in the titer of 20E following treatment with PPF. However, there was no significant decrease observed in the titer of JH III skipped bisepoxide (JH SB3). A sublethal concentration of PPF was found to inhibit Krüppel homolog 1 (kr-h1) gene expression and reduce aphid reproduction, but it did not significantly impact ecdysone receptor expression and aphid molting. The results of this study demonstrate that PPF exhibits a lethal effect on aphids, thereby providing an effective means of control. Additionally, sublethal concentrations of PPF have been found to inhibit the JH in aphids, resulting in a decline in their reproductive ability and achieving the desired control objectives.