Ten fatty acyl‐CoA reductase family genes were essential for the survival of the destructive rice pest, Nilaparvata lugens

BACKGROUND Fatty alcohols are the precursors of sex pheromone components, wax esters and hydrocarbons in insects. Fatty acyl‐CoA reductases (FARs) are important enzymes required for the reduction of fatty alcohol and thereby contribute to the production of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC). RESULTS Based on bioinformatics analyses we identified 17 FAR genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference against these genes demonstrated that ten NlFAR genes were essential for the survival of N. lugens. For instance, knockdown of NlFAR5, 6, 11 or 15 was lethal and caused a slender body shape, while the old cuticles of the respective animals remained attached to the abdomen or failed to split open from the nota. Knockdown of NlFAR9 resulted in a phenotype, with a smooth body surface and a decrease in CHC amounts. Similarly, CHC deficiency in N. lugens resulted in increased adhesion of water droplets and secreted honeydew to the insect surface and the inability of N. lugens to survive in paddy fields with varying humidity. Knockdown of NlFAR1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13 additionally resulted in female adult infertility. CONCLUSION The present study illustrates the structural and functional differences of FAR family genes and provides potential targets for RNA interference‐based rice planthopper management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry dsNlFAR9‐treated BPH could not remove water droplet or honeydew adhere to its body, could not stand on water surface, and the body surface lacks waxy coatings when compared with dsGFP‐treated one.