Bifenthrin at Sublethal\nConcentrations Suppresses\nMating and Laying of Female Conogethes punctiferalis by Regulating Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis and JH Signals

Conogethes punctiferalis, a polyphagous\npest in Asia, infests various crops, causing severe economic losses.\nIts larvae feed inside plants, making management challenging, with\nconventional insecticides. This study examines sublethal bifenthrin\neffects on the reproductive capabilities of adult females. Findings\nshow sublethal bifenthrin concentrations (LC<sub>1</sub>, LC<sub>10</sub>, LC<sub>20</sub>, and LC<sub>30</sub>) significantly reduce sex\npheromone production and mating success in a dose-dependent manner.\nFurthermore, these sublethal exposures influence the expression of\npheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide and key juvenile hormone\nsignaling genes, including methoprene-tolerant and Krüppel-homologue\n1. Enzyme activity assays and metabolite measurements indicated that\nsublethal bifenthrin exposure decreases trehalose and pyruvic acid\nlevels, suppressing the enzyme activities required for sex pheromone\nbiosynthesis. Additionally, bifenthrin exposure delays ovarian development,\nreduces ovary size, and decreases egg production and hatchability.\nThese results suggest bifenthrin’s potential in attract-and-kill\nstrategies by disrupting essential pathways for pest control, offering\ninsights for improved insecticide use and innovative pest management\nfor C. punctiferalis.