Role of <i>UGT344J7</i> in the response of the bird cherry‐oat aphid to starvation and high temperature stress

The response of insects to stress, particularly starvation and high temperature stress, is a crucial area of insect research. Uridine diphosphate-glucosyltransferases (UGTs) are key enzymes involved in the detoxification of exogenous substances. This study analysed the role of the UGT344J7 gene in the response of Rhopalosiphum padi to starvation and high temperature stress. UGT344J7 was significantly upregulated under conditions of high temperature and food scarcity. Following RNAi targeting UGT344J7, the mortality of R. padi increased significantly under both high temperature and starvation conditions. Knockdown of the UGT344J7 gene led to a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in R. padi, accompanied by a significant downregulation of four heat shock protein genes (Hsp70-1, Hsp70-2, Hsp68, Hsp90). Based on these results, we speculate that UGT344J7 regulates the expression of heat shock protein genes by modulating ROS levels, thereby helping R. padi cope with high temperature and starvation stress. This is the first report on the role of the UGT gene in starvation and high temperature stress in an aphid species. This research suggests that silencing UGT344J7 could serve as a potential strategy for controlling R. padi, and novel insecticides targeting this gene may be developed to disrupt the physiological processes of this significant pest.