Sublethal and transgenerational effects of tetraniliprole on the tomato pinworm Phthorimaea (=Tuta) absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Invasive pest species of economic importance often require intensive pesticide use, leading to recurrent problems of pesticide resistance . Such is the case with the tomato pinworm , Phthorimaea (= Tuta ) absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), requiring the use of new insecticidal compounds for their management. Tetraniliprole, a novel insecticide effective against lepidopteran, coleopteran, and dipteran pests, is a potential alternative against the tomato pinworm . This study investigates the sublethal effects of tetraniliprole on the development and reproduction of the parental (F 0 ) and progeny (F 1 ) generations of P. absoluta while exploring the underlying mechanisms. Sublethal tetraniliprole exposure extended larval duration and reduced pupation rate, emergence rate, hatchability, and fecundity in both the F 0 and F 1 of P. absoluta . Additionally, the life-table parameters of the F 1 generation were significantly altered, with decreases in net reproductive rate ( R 0 ) and increases in the mean generation time ( T ), leading to decreases in the intrinsic rate of population growth ( r ). The relative fitness of F 1 insects exposed to tetraniloprole was reduced compared to unexposed insects (0.63 and 0.49, respectively). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of reproduction-related genes such as TaVg and TaVgR were down-regulated in the tetraniliprole-exposed insects. Finally, insect exposure to tetraniloprole increases the activity of the antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Taken together, these findings suggest that sublethal concentrations of tetraniloprole adversely affect both the development and reproduction of P. absoluta , providing a foundation for optimizing pest control strategies. • LC 10 and LC 25 of tetraniliprole reduced reproductive parameters of Phthorimaea absoluta. • Sublethal concentrations of tetraniliprole affect transgenerational P. absoluta on biological parameters. • The relative fitness of P. absoluta was decreased by LC 10 and LC 25 , respectively. • Tetraniliprole (LC 25 ) decreased expression of reproductive related genes of F 0 and F 1 . • LC 25 of tetraniliprole significantly affect activities of GST, SOD, and CAT.