The brown planthopper NlDHRS11 is involved in the detoxification of rice secondary compounds.

Abstract

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens, BPH) is the most destructive serious pest for rice production. Resistant varieties are effective means to defend against BPH, but the impact of the ingestion of resistant rice on the BPH transcriptional regulation is still unclear. Here, we explored the molecular basis of the regulation by BPH feeding on resistant rice. BPH nymphs preferentially selected susceptible rice TN1 at 24 h after release in a choice test. Feeding on resistant rice IR56 under a non-selective condition increased mortality, decreased growth rate, and prolonged molting time of BPH. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed 38 dysregulated genes, including 31 down-regulated and 7 up-regulated genes in BPH feeding on resistant rice for 7 days compared with feeding susceptible rice TN1. These genes were mainly involved in the pathways of growth and development, metabolism, energy synthesis, and transport. Finally, we showed that the toxicities of rice defensive compounds to BPH were dose-dependent, and silencing of BPH gene dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family member 11 (NlDHRS11) increased sensibility to rice secondary compounds, ferulic acid, and resorcinol. The adaption of BPH feeding on resistant rice is orchestrated by dynamically regulating gene expressions, and NlDHRS11 is a gene involved in the detoxification of plant defensive chemicals. The current work provides new insights into the interaction between insects and plants, and helps to develop novel BPH control strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.