Lipid Metabolism and Circadian Regulation in Wing Polyphenism of <i>Rhopalosiphum padi</i>: Transcriptomic Validation of Key DEGs for Biocontrol.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, is a major global pest of cereal crops and exhibits wing polyphenism, producing both winged (dispersive) and wingless (reproductive) morphs.

Methods

To identify potential RNAi targets that could specifically disrupt the migratory winged morph, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of adult aphids. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, annotated for their functions, and analyzed for their involvement in metabolic pathways.

Results

Significant differences were observed in 121 genes between morphs: 13 were upregulated in the winged morph, while 108 were downregulated. Most DEGs were enriched in lipid metabolism and circadian rhythm pathways, suggesting that wing poly

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12564907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature