The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Zucchini-Induced Changes in the Host Adaptation of Cotton- and Cucumber-Type Aphis gossypii

The polyphagous aphid <i>Aphis gossypii</i> exhibits host-specific biotypes, notably the cotton (Hap1) and cucumber (Hap3) types. While both can adapt to new hosts via zucchini induction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our investigation revealed that both Hap1 and Hap3 <i>A. gossypii</i> underwent significant body size enlargement following host transfer to zucchini. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that zucchini-mediated host adaptation in the <i>A. gossypii</i> biotypes (Hap1/Hap3) involves insulin metabolism and detoxification pathways, with 17 co-differentially expressed genes (e.g., <i>Col-I</i> (type I collagen), <i>CYP450 6a13</i>, <i>peroxidase</i>) potentially critical for adaptation. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating <i>A. gossypii</i> phenotypic plasticity and contribute to the development of resistance management strategies.