RNA interference‐mediated knockdown and virus‐induced suppression of Troponin C gene adversely affect the behavior or fitness of the green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps

Abstract The green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps , is a major rice pest in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Novel control strategies must be explored to control the rice pest. Behavior or fitness regulation of insect by modulating the Troponin C ( TnC ) may be a novel strategy in the comprehensive management of the insect pest. However, characterizations and functions of TnC , especially regarding effect of its RNA interference‐mediated gene knockdown on the behavior or fitness of N. cincticeps remain unknown. Here, we successfully cloned and characterized TnC gene from N. cincticeps ( Nc‐TnC ). We demonstrated that Nc‐TnC ubiquitously transcribed at all development stages and special tissues in adult insects, with relative higher levels at the adult stage and in the intestinal canal. Microinjection‐ or oral membrane feeding‐based transient knockdown of Nc‐TnC adversely affected the performance or fitness, such as the decreased survival, feeding capacity, weight, and fecundity of N. cincticeps . Furthermore, we revealed that the expression of Nc‐TnC was suppressed by its interaction with rice dwarf virus‐encoded nonstructural protein 10 , which ultimately affected detrimentally the corresponding parameters of the performance or fitness of N. cincticeps . In conclusion, our data deepen understanding of Nc‐TnC functions during the development of and viral infection in N. cincticeps . It imply Nc‐TnC may serve as a potential target for N. cincticeps control in future.