The influences of green light on locomotion, growth and reproduction on the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens.

Abstract

Light stimulation at a specific wavelength triggers various responses in insects and can be used for pest control. To develop efficient and eco-friendly photophysical pest control methods, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (BPH), a major rice pest, was studied the effects of green light on their locomotion, growth (molting and eclosion) and reproduction. Transcriptomics and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the mechanisms involved. BPH adults showed disrupted daily locomotion patterns following green light treatment at night and exhibited abnormal locomotion peaks. The total six-day locomotion of brachypterous adults was significantly higher than that in the control group. Under green light treatment, the durations of growing stage 1-4 were all shorter in the green light treatment than the control, while the duration from 4th molting to eclosion (stage 5) was significantly longer treated by green light. When the BPH adults under green light treatment laying eggs, the egg hatching ratio (36.69%) was significantly lower than the ratio in control (47.49%). Moreover, contrary to the control, BPH molting and eclosion events tended to happen more at night. Transcriptome analysis proved that green light significantly affected the expression of genes involved in cuticular proteins, chitin deacetylase and chitinase, which were related to cuticular development. TEM observations confirmed the abnormal cuticular development in nymph and adult BPHs (endocuticle，exocuticle and pore canals) under green light treatment. Green light treatment at night notably affected locomotion, growth and reproduction of BPH, thus providing a novel idea for controlling this pest. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.