Specific phytochemicals in floral nectar up-regulate genes involved in longevity regulation and xenobiotic metabolism, extending mosquito life span.

ABSTRACT: During nectar feeding, mosquitoes ingest a plethora of phytochemicals present in nectar. The ecological and physiological impacts of these ingested phytochemicals on the disease vectors are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of three nectar phytochemicals-- caffeine, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin--on longevity, fecundity, and sugar-feeding behavior of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Adult females of Ae. albopictus were provided continuous access to 10% sucrose supplemented with one of the three phytochemicals and their fecundity, longevity, and the amount of sucrose consumed determined. Transcriptome response of Ae. albopictus females to p-coumaric acid and quercetin was also evaluated. Dietary quercetin

SUBMITTER: Njoroge TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8216986 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature