Assessing the role of RNA in manifesting the potential of mendione as an effective insecticide against Dysdercus cingulatus F.

The impact of sublethal concentrations of menadione was evaluated on the RNA content of gonads, fat body, and brain in Dysdercus cingulatus F. Three sublethal concentrations viz. 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 were used topically using a Hamilton syringe. The test insects were dissected after the intervals of post-treatment days 2, 4, and 6. Organs of the treated insects were evaluated and compared for the RNA content with control insects. The biochemical results revealed a gradual significant decline in the RNA content of various tissues under investigation. Hence it was concluded that menadione not only hampers the protein and DNA metabolism, but it roots back to the RNA level to induce histopathological changes in organs to finally act as a reproductive inhibitor and life cycle disruptor.