Identification of a TOR signaling pathway gene as a candidate target for reproductive management of Adelphocoris suturalis

Adelphocoris suturalis is a polyphagous pest that is increasingly causing severe economic damage due to more frequent outbreaks. The development of non-target resistance to commercial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has further exacerbated its pest status and amplified the need for more sustainable methods of control. RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management strategies, such as root soaking and transgenic plants that express dsRNAs, have proven to be reliable, eco-friendly pest control strategies. To identify new RNAi targets for potential A. suturalis population control, we investigated the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway. A critical role for this pathway in A. suturalis reproductive regulation was suggested by pharmacological analyses. Subsequent RNAi-mediated knockdown of the A. suturalis TOR pathway genes TOR, Ras homolog enriched in the brain (Rheb), and ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K) reduced fertility. Moreover, a spray-induced and nanocarrier-delivered gene silencing (SI-NDGS) system targeting TOR successfully suppressed ovarian development, which demonstrates its effectiveness as a pest control target. These results provide a critical foundation for understanding reproductive regulation in A. suturalis and introduce new candidates for RNAi-based A. suturalis management.