Phthorimaea Operculella Research Articles

Salvia abrotanoides methanolic extract Fe3O4@Carbon nanocomposite as biological approach for protection against the Potato Tuber Moth.

Plant-based nano-insecticides like Salvia abrotanoides provide eco-friendly pest control with low resistance risk. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of the Fe3O4 @Carbon nanoformulation of S. abrotanoides extract with a carbon shell and pure extract against Phthorimaea operculella (eggs and larvae), a significant potato pest in Iran. A modified solvothermal method produced highly water-dispersible magnetite (Fe3O4) particles, with citrate as a stabilising agent. A carbon layer was added through hydrothermal treatment, using polyethylene glycol as a linking agent between glucose and the Fe3O4 spheres. SEM analysis confirmed the structure of the Fe3O4@Carbon nanocomposite, while FTIR and EDS verified the methanolic extract's presence. The Fe3O4@Carbon nano extract demonstrated greater toxicity to the pest's eggs and larvae than the pure extract, with lower LC50 values (752.23-355 ppm), indicating higher potency. These findings confirm that Fe3O4@Carbon S. abrotanoides nanoparticles are effective, pollution-free, and green nano-insecticides against Ph. operculella.

Sustainable management of potato tuber moth in storages using entomopathogenic fungi and an ectoparasitic mite.

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella, is an economically important pest of potato crops worldwide. So far, the application of chemical pesticides is the major measure to manage PTM, but it induces serious deleterious impacts on the environment and human health. Here, we screened the entomopathogenic fungi that are lethal to PTM, and tested their sublethal impacts on PTM development, mortality, and reproduction as well as that of ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia, a natural enemy of PTM. Among 13 tested entomopathogenic fungal strains in three genera, Beauveria Vuillemin, Cordyceps Fries, and Talaromyces Benjamin, Cordyceps fumosorosea (strain KY1136) and Beauveria bassiana (strain KY1115) caused a significantly higher mortality in PTM eggs, larvae, and pupae. Median lethal concentration (LC50) of both strains prolonged PTM immature development, shortened adult longevity, and reduced fecundity and life table parameters in terms of intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0), and finite rate of increase (λ). The LC50 value of KY1136 (1.9 × 106 spores/mL) was lower than that of KY1115 (9.0 × 106 spores/mL), indicating the greater potential for biological control of PTM by KY1136. Both strains had no significant impact on P. zhonghuajia survival and reproduction. Increasing P. zhonghuajia density reduced PTM feeding and pupation rate, while the combined application of P. zhonghuajia and entomopathogenic fungi had no additional effect in inhabiting PTM feeding and pupation. Entomopathogenic fungal strains Cordyceps fumosorosea KY1136 and Beauveria bassiana KY1115 are the potential biological control agents of PTM, but do not impose a negative impact on the natural enemy. Our study provides insights into the integrated pest management of PTM by combining the entomopathogenic fungi and an ectoparasitic mite. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The efficacy of local isolate of Entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae under laboratory conditions

The efficacy of local isolate of Entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae under laboratory conditions

Histological Investigations on Potato Tuber Moths, Phthorimaea operculella Treated with a Botanical Extract of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L), with Particular Attention to the Alterations in the Ultrastructure of the Larval Digestive Tract

Background: Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), the potato tuber moth (PTM) is one of the most important pests that attacks potato, Solanum tuberosum L. crops worldwide. Adult moths attack tubers in fields as well as in storage. Infested tubers become unsuitable for trade or consumption, the tuber damage increases gradually after several generations of the pest during storage time. Botanicals have been found to be an efficient control method especially when they act as antifeedant or repellent, or even stomach poisons. The estimation of the mortal impact of some extracts against PTM was examined by emphasizing the Ultrastructure changes in the larval digestive tract by using scanning and transmission electron microscope. Results: Structural changes throughout the entire digestive tract (Fore-, Mid- and Hind-gut), induced by Basil extract were detected through both microscope, these changes leading lastly to the death of the treated larvae. Many different ruptures and malformations were detected throughout all the digestive tract assessment. Conclusions: Studies of the occurred changes revealed some histopathological changes through out all the digestive tract (Fore-, Mid- and Hind-gut), the attached muscular layer, tracheal system, and visceral fat bodies of the larvae when fed with tubers treated with Basil extract. From this findings, the use of plant extracts can be recommended for protection of potato tuber against the infestation by the tubers moths.

Screening of popularly grown potato varieties against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) in storage condition

Screening of popularly grown potato varieties against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) in storage condition

Spread of quarantine plant pests in Ukraine

Goal. Of article is analyse of spreading dynamics of insect species with the quarantine status for Ukraine territory based on data of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Methods. The work used official data on the distribution of plant quarantine organisms, which were interpreted using the analytical and comparative method of research. Results. The development of insect species with status of locally presented (list A-2 of the List of regulated harmful organisms) and species with status of absent (list A-1) in Ukraine was detected during 2015—2023. By data of State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the areal of American white moth, western corn rootworm and South American tomato moth have increased, while the spreading area of potato moth, and western flower thrips have decreased. These species have status of locally presented in Ukraine. The Mediterranean fruit fly belongs to list A-1, but its spreading area was detected in Odessa region during 2015—2023, and from 2022, some increase of spreading was noted. State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection fixes the increasing of tobacco whitefly (list A-1) area. The rapid spread of emerald ash borer are noted in Ukraine from 2019, and brown marmorated stink bug are presented in Ukraine in 2023. Conclusions. According to the results of the analysis of the distribution of quarantine insect species, an increase in the areas inhabited by American white moth, western corn rootworm, South American tomato moth, Mediterranean fruit fly, tobacco whitefly, as well as the appearance of the previously absent emerald ash borer and brown marmorated stink bug on the territory of Ukraine were established. In order to prevent the spread of quarantine pests, business entities whose activities may contribute to the spread of quarantine organisms must strictly adhere to the state policy in the field of plant quarantine.

Heat stress reprograms herbivory-induced defense responses in potato plants

Climate change is predicted to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, which may thereby impact the outcome of plant-herbivore interactions. While elevated temperature is known to directly affect herbivore growth, it remains largely unclear if it indirectly influences herbivore performance by affecting the host plant they feed on. In this study, we investigated how transient exposure to high temperature influences plant herbivory-induced defenses at the transcript and metabolic level. To this end, we studied the interaction between potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants and the larvae of the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) under different temperature regimes. We found that P. operculella larvae grew heavier on leaves co-stressed by high temperature and insect herbivory than on leaves pre-stressed by herbivory alone. We also observed that high temperature treatments altered phylotranscriptomic patterns upon herbivory, which changed from an evolutionary hourglass pattern, in which transcriptomic responses at early and late time points after elicitation are more variable than the ones in the middle, to a vase pattern. Specifically, transcripts of many herbivory-induced genes in the early and late defense stage were suppressed by HT treatment, whereas those in the intermediate stage peaked earlier. Additionally, we observed that high temperature impaired the induction of jasmonates and defense compounds upon herbivory. Moreover, using jasmonate-reduced (JA-reduced, irAOC) and -elevated (JA-Ile-elevated, irCYP94B3s) potato plants, we showed that high temperature suppresses JA signaling mediated plant-induced defense to herbivore attack. Thus, our study provides evidences on how temperature reprograms plant-induced defense to herbivores.

Heterologous expression of distinct insecticidal genes in potato cultivars encodes resistance against potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

AbstractThe potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a notorious insect pest of potato incurring substantial yield losses in the field as well as in storage. Chemical control is difficult to exercise due to the latent feeding of the caterpillars and their ability to develop resistance against insecticides. One of the essential components of efficient insect-resistant management is using two or more different insecticidal genes in transgenic crops to effectively avoid and delay the resistance development in insect pests. Two constructs, namely DS-1 (cry3A + SN-19 genes) and DS-2 (OCII + SN-19 genes) in pCAMBIA1301 binary vector, were developed and were transformed in potato cultivars (Agria and Lady Olympia) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The molecular analysis confirmed gene integration and expression of the introduced genes in transgenic plants. The insecticidal effects of incorporated genes in transgenic plants were assessed against 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar potato tuber moth (PTM) larvae. The transgenic plants endured significantly high mortalities (100%) of larval stages of PTM within 72 h. Our results show that these transgenic potato plants have the potential to control populations of PTM and are also useful tools in managing PTM that would ultimately reduce the dependency on conventional chemical pesticides with potentially less or minimal hazards. These lines can also serve as an excellent source of germplasm for potato breeding program.

Determination of the efficacy of novel pesticides against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella zeller) in laboratory conditions on seed potato

Determination of the efficacy of novel pesticides against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella zeller) in laboratory conditions on seed potato

Biological characteristics of the egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus oculator (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) at different temperatures

This study was conducted to determine some biological properties of the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, a new host of the egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus oculator at different temperatures. The emergence rate, development time, longevity, adult weight, and sex ratio of C. oculator were assessed at three different temperature levels (20±1 ºC, 25±1 ºC, 30±1 ºC), 65±5% humidity and 16:8 light: dark conditions. Forty potato tuber moth eggs, aged 0-24 hours, adhered to the filter papers, were placed into the tubes, and presented to the parasitoids for parasitization for a day. At the end of this period, the parasitized eggs were allowed to develop at the specified temperatures. The study found the highest emergence rate was found at 30 °C, with 20.5%. The longest development period occurred at 20 °C, determined as 49.00±2.00 days in females and 52.27±1.64 days in males. The longest longevity of the parasitoid was found to be 41.71±2.29 and 45.73±3.75 days in males and females, respectively. The highest adult weight was observed at 25 °C for both males and females. The sex ratio was found to be in favor of males as the temperature decreased. It is thought that these results can be used for the biological control of potato tuber moth in the field and storage conditions for release studies.

Interaction between Steinernema feltiae SC125 and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato 9236 for control of the Guatemalan potato moth

ABSTRACT The Guatemalan potato moth (Tecia solanivora) is one of the most destructive pests affecting potatoes in Colombia. Our objective was to evaluate the susceptibility of T. solanivora to a combination of entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi, to study the interactions of these two agents under laboratory conditions. We evaluated the mortality of fourth instar larvae against 200 Infective Juveniles (IJs) per larva of ten strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, and 104–108 conidia per larva of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato Bb9205 and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato Ma9236. We found that Steinernema feltiae SC125 caused a mortality rate of 98.2% with an LC50 of 33 IJs/larva. M. anisopliae sensu lato Ma9236 achieved a mortality rate of 88.8% with an LC50 of 6.9 × 105 conidia/larva. We selected these strains for the interaction tests. We determined that the interaction test results were statistically additive regardless of any difference in application times of the entomopathogens and despite the observation of signs of infection in the hosts from both the nematode and the fungus. Despite not having found synergistic interactions between the evaluated control agents, these laboratory tests suggest a possible strategy of combining entomopathogenic nematode and fungi for biological management of the guatemalan moth T. solanivora in potato crops.

Genomic identification and evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptor gene families in two Phthorimaea pest species: insights into chemical ecology and host adaptation

BackgroundInsects rely on sophisticated sensitive chemosensory systems to sense their complex chemical environment. This sensory process involves a combination of odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs) in the chemosensory system. This study focused on the identification and characterization of these three types of chemosensory receptor genes in two closely related Phthorimaea pest species, Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leaf miner).ResultsBased on manual annotation of the genome, we identified a total of 349 chemoreceptor genes from the genome of P. operculella, including 93 OR, 206 GR and 50 IR genes, while for P. absoluta, we identified 72 OR, 122 GR and 46 IR genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we observed minimal differences in the number and types of ORs and IRs between the potato tuber moth and tomato leaf miner. In addition, we found that compared with those of tomato leaf miners, the gustatory receptor branch of P. operculella has undergone a large expansion, which may be related to P. absoluta having a narrower host range than P. operculella. Through analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of male and female antennae, we uncovered 45 DEGs (including 32ORs, 9 GRs, and 4 IRs).ConclusionsOur research provides a foundation for exploring the chemical ecology of these two pests and offers new insights into the dietary differentiation of lepidopteran insects, while simultaneously providing molecular targets for developing environmentally friendly pest control methods based on insect chemoreception.

Ecological niche shift and suitable area expansion of a globally invasive species Phthorimaea operculella.

Phthorimaea operculella is a major potato pest of global importance, early warning and detection of which are of significance. In this study, we analyzed the climate niche conservation of P. operculella during its invasion by comparing the overall climate niche from three dimensions, including the differences between native range (South America) and entire invaded region (excluding South America), the differences bwtween native range (South America) and five invaded continents (North America, Oceania, Asia, Africa, and Europe), as well as the differences between native region (South America) and an invaded region (China). We constructed ecological niche models for its native range (South America) and invaded region (China). The results showed that the climatic niche of the pest has expanded to varying degrees in different regions, indicating that the pest could well adapt to new environments during the invasion. Almost all areas of South America are suitable for P. operculella. In China, its suitable area is mainly concentrated in Shandong, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Henan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hainan, northern Guangxi, southern Hunan, Anhui, Guangdong, Jiangsu, southern Shanxi, and southern Shaanxi. With increasing greenhouse gas emissions and global temperature, its suitable area will decrease at low latitude and increase gradually at high latitude. Specifically, the northern boundary will extend to Liaoning, Jilin, and the southeastern region of Inner Mongolia, while the western boundary extends to Sichuan and the southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The suitable area in the southeast Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Hainan Island, and the south of Yangtze River, will gradually decrease. The total suitable habitat area for P. operculella in China is projected to increase under future climate condition. From 2081 to 2100, under the three greenhouse gas emissions scenarios of ssp126, ssp370, and ssp585, the suitable area is expected to increase by 27.78, 165.54, and 140.41 hm2, respectively. Therefore, it is crucial to strengtehen vigilance and implement strict measures to prevent the further expansion of P. operculella.

Presence of Multiple Genetic Mutations Related to Insecticide Resistance in Chinese Field Samples of Two Phthorimaea Pest Species.

Potatoes hold the distinction of being the largest non-cereal food crop globally. The application of insecticides has been the most common technology for pest control. The repeated use of synthetic insecticides of the same chemical class and frequent applications have resulted in the emergence of insecticide resistance. Two closely related pests that feed on potato crops are the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, and the tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (syn. Tuta absoluta). Previous studies indicated the existence of insecticide resistance to various classes of insecticides including organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids in field populations of P. operculella and P. absoluta. However, the exact mechanisms of insecticide resistance in P. operculella and to a lesser extent P. absoluta remain still poorly understood. Detecting resistance genotypes is crucial for the prediction and management of insecticide resistance. In this study, we identified multiple genetic mutations related to insecticide resistance in two species of Phthorimaea. An unexpected genetic divergence on target-site mutations was observed between P. operculella and P. absoluta. Three mutations (A201S, L231V, and F290V) in Ace1 (acetylcholinesterase), four mutations (M918T, L925M, T928I, and L1014F) in VGSC (voltage-gated sodium channel), and one mutation (A301S) in RDL (GABA-gated chloride channel) have been detected with varying frequencies in Chinese P. absoluta field populations. In contrast, P. operculella field populations showed three mutations (F158Y, A201S, and L231V) in Ace1, one mutation (L1014F) in VGSC at a lower frequency, and no mutation in RDL. These findings suggest that pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates are likely to be ineffective in controlling P. absoluta, but not P. operculella. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the presence of target-site mutations conferring resistance to commonly used (and cheap) classes of insecticides in two closely related potato pests. It is recommended to consider the resistance status of both pests for the implementation of resistance management strategies in potatoes.

Chemical composition and toxicity of Moroccan mentha spicata and Artemisia absinthium essential oils against Pthorimaea operculella, the potato moth

The current methods employed to mitigate losses caused by Phthorimaea operculella primarily rely on the application of synthetic insecticides. We have utilised essential oils of Mentha spicata L. and Artemisia absinthium against Phthorimaea operculella. The essential oils were obtained using hydrodistillation and analysed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Mentha spicata essential oil contained D-limonene (25.12%) and D-carvone (7.47%) while the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium was rich of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexene (27.93%) and camphor (22.50%). Five concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 µL/L of air) were applied to the four phases of P. operculella, neonate larvae, nymphs, eggs and adults. The results of the biological tests showed that spearmint oil was more toxic than wormwood oil, particularly at the adult and Chrysalide stages. Essential oils could be considered good alternatives to chemical pesticides for the protection of potato crops.

Insight into the host-specificity of a native and a newly introduced parasitoid of Tuta absoluta and prospect for biological control

New strategies are urgently needed to control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), one of the most destructive pests of tomato crops. Originating from South America, it is spreading rapidly and has evolved resistance to most common insecticides making it highly challenging to control. Regarding biological control, the parasitoid Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is widely present around the Mediterranean basin and has adapted to the invader playing a substantial role in its control. In addition, the neotropical parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris Marsh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has established accidentally following its host in Spain and Algeria and a classical biological control program using this species is ongoing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the trophic connections between D.gelechiidivoris, N.tutae, the targeted host T.absoluta and potential non-target hosts is essential to assess their value as augmentative or classical biological control agents and to promote their establishment in conservation biocontrol. We conducted host-specificity tests in the laboratory using four European leafminer species to evaluate the specificity of these two parasitoids to T.absoluta. We then assessed their affinity for T.absoluta by exposing sentinel plants with the alternative host Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) inside and around greenhouses and measuring each parasitoid species' field parasitism rate. Our results show that of the four non-target species tested in the laboratory, N.tutae attacked three, while D.gelechiidivoris attacked only P. operculella. In the greenhouse, N.tutae did not prefer P.operculella or T.absoluta, whereas D.gelechiidivoris preferred the latter. The mean parasitism rate of T.absoluta over the three-month monitoring period in the greenhouses reached 27% for N.tutae and 35% for D.gelechiidivoris. We discuss the importance of host affinity for understanding potential non-target effects and the value a natural enemy can have as biological control.

Pesticides Susceptibility and Detoxification Enzyme Activities of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Under laboratory Conditions

Pesticides Susceptibility and Detoxification Enzyme Activities of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Under laboratory Conditions

Behavioral responses of potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) to volatiles from wilted Yunnan poplar (Populus yunnanensis)

AbstractThe volatiles from wilted poplar leaves possess a broad spectrum of attractants that affect various lepidopteran pests. The effect of volatile compounds of wilted leaves of Yunnan poplar, Populus yunnanensis Dode (Salicaceae), on the orientation and oviposition behavior of the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has not been well understood. In this study we identified 15 active compounds from the wilted Yunnan poplar leaves to gravid female PTM by combined gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detector (GC‐EAD) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in this study. We evaluated the biological activity of these compounds at their natural level with a Y‐tube olfactometer and self‐made oviposition cages. The results showed that six compounds – cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, hexyl acetate, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, trans‐ocimene, and 2‐pentylfuran – exhibited significant attraction to gravid female PTM, and five compounds – trans‐2‐nonenal, styrene, hexyl formate, trans‐ocimene, and 2‐pentylfuran – attracted them to lay eggs, both individually and in blend. Apart from styrene, all these compounds may serve as attractants for attract‐and‐kill to PTM.

Evaluation of Commercial Virus Biopesticides for the Control of Moth Pests in Laboratory Conditions: The Cases of Thaumetopoea pityocampa and Helicoverpa armigera

The research on entomopathogenic viruses is of major significance as they could serve as alternatives to chemical pesticides. There are various types of entomopathogenic viruses; among them, Baculoviruses (BVs) are a potential option because they are eco-friendly and target specific. The experiment in question aimed to evaluate the effect of three insect-specific commercial viruses, Cydia pomonella Granulovirus (CpGV), Helicoverpa armigera Nucleopoyhedrovirus (HearNPV), and Phthorimaea operculella Granulovirus (PoG), on the third-instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae). The viruses’ concentrations when tested were 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 6000 ppm, and were applied on the eating medium. Both mortality and larval weight were monitored for 6 days. All three viruses had significant mortality rates on both moths (23.3–83.3% in the highest dose) and larval weights had considerable decreases (70–80% in the highest dose). Generally, noteworthy insecticidal action was recorded after 4 days and in doses higher than 1500 ppm. These results highlight that entomopathogenic viruses may infect species other than their natural host and can be implemented in terms of Integrated Pest Management.

Evolutionary genomics of three agricultural pest moths reveals rapid evolution of host adaptation and immune-related genes.

Understanding the genotype of pest species provides an important baseline for designing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Recently developed long-read sequence technologies make it possible to compare genomic features of nonmodel pest species to disclose the evolutionary path underlying the pest species profiles. Here we sequenced and assembled genomes for 3 agricultural pest gelechiid moths: Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leafminer), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), and Scrobipalpa atriplicella (goosefoot groundling moth). We also compared genomes of tomato leafminer and tomato pinworm with published genomes of Phthorimaea operculella and Pectinophora gossypiella to investigate the gene family evolution related to the pest species profiles. We found that the 3 solanaceous feeding species, P. absoluta, K. lycopersicella, and P. operculella, are clustered together. Gene family evolution analyses with the 4 species show clear gene family expansions on host plant-associated genes for the 3 solanaceous feeding species. These genes are involved in host compound sensing (e.g., gustatory receptors), detoxification (e.g., ABC transporter C family, cytochrome P450, glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase, insect cuticle proteins, and UDP-glucuronosyl), and digestion (e.g., serine proteases and peptidase family S1). A gene ontology enrichment analysis of rapid evolving genes also suggests enriched functions in host sensing and immunity. Our results of family evolution analyses indicate that host plant adaptation and pathogen defense could be important drivers in species diversification among gelechiid moths.