Cyantraniliprole‐mediated transgenerational hormesis in the invasive tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta

Abstract BACKGROUND Hormesis, a biphasic dose–response phenomenon, is gaining recognition for its bioregulatory and practical implications. Invasive species present a critical context for studying hormesis, because sublethal population‐level responses may facilitate establishment and spread, particularly when transgenerational effects are involved. The invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, a global agricultural pest, exemplifies this scenario. Despite its relevance, the role of hormesis, particularly in response to novel insecticides like cyantraniliprole, a second‐generation anthranilic diamide widely used against lepidopteran pests, remains underexplored. Thus, using age‐stage, two‐sex life table analyses and nanocarrier‐mediated RNA interference, we examined the sublethal effects of cyantraniliprole on T. absoluta . RESULTS Cyantraniliprole exhibited high toxicity to third‐instar larvae, with a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) of 0.72 mg L −1 after 72 h of exposure. Sublethal and low lethal concentrations (LC 10 and LC 30 ) prolonged developmental times and reduced adult longevity and fecundity in exposed individuals. Intriguingly, exposure to LC 10 in subsequent generations (F 1 and F 2 ) shortened developmental times and increased survival, reproduction and life table parameters, whereas exposure to LC 30 significantly impaired these traits. Gene expression analyses revealed reduced levels of development and reproduction‐related genes ( Vg , VgR and JHBP ) in parental insects but increased levels in F 1 and F 2 at LC 10 , whereas the levels of expression remained consistent at LC 30 . Overexpression of detoxification‐related P450 genes ( CYP4M116 , CYP6AW1 and CYP9A307v2 ) persisted over generations, whereas nanomaterial‐encapsulated dsRNA targeting these genes significantly increased susceptibility to cyantraniliprole. CONCLUSION Cyantraniliprole induces a transgenerational hormesis‐like response in T. absoluta . These findings highlight the need to evaluate the hormetic‐like effects when designing ecologically sound pest management strategies for this invasive pest species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.