Knockdown of specific cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophin 3 genes disrupt larval and ovarian development in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Cuticular proteins (CPs) are critical components of the insect cuticle and play important roles in maintaining normal insect development and defense against various environmental stresses. The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is one of the most destructive pests worldwide, and its eight CPs analogous to peritrophin 3 (BdCPAP3) family genes have been identified in our previous study. In the present study, we further explored the possible roles of CPAP3 genes in B. dorsalis development. Each sequence of BdCPAP3 genes contained three conserved ChtBD2 (chitin‐binding) domains. Spatial and temporal expression patterns revealed that the four BdCPAP3 genes (BdCPAP3‐A1, B, E, and E2) might play important roles in larval pupariation of B. dorsalis. Moreover, treatment with a juvenile hormone analog (methoprene) significantly restricted expression of these four CPAP3 genes, whereas treatment with 20‐hydroxy‐ecdysone induced expression. The RNA interference (RNAi) results revealed that down‐regulated CPAP3 genes led to significant delay of pupariation, and injection of dsBdCPAP3‐E into 5‐d‐old B. dorsalis larvae caused approximately 40% mortality. Interestingly, we also confirmed that BdCPAP3‐D2 was involved in B. dorsalis ovarian development. This study showed that some specific CPAP3 genes had crucial roles in B. dorsalis development, and these CP genes could be used as potential targets to control this pest via RNAi. • Spatial and temporal expression profiles of CPAP3 family genes were established in Bactrocera dorsalis. • Down‐regulated BdCPAP3‐E gene by RNA interference could cause approximately 40% mortality of B. dorsalis larva. • BdCPAP3‐D2 was essential for ovarian development in B. dorsalis.