Knockout of ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene adversely affects the nymphal molting and adult reproduction in Bemisia tabaci

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most dangerous polyphagous pests in the world causing damage to various crops by sucking sap during the nymphal and adult stages. Chemical management of whiteflies is challenging because of the emergence of pesticide resistance. RNA interference has been well established in whitefly to study the functions of various genes. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important targets for development of new generation insecticides. In this study, Ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene expression was recorded in different stages of whitefly and its function has been studied through RNAi. The expression of ETHr is highest in third-instar nymphs followed by other nymphal instars, pupae and newly emerged adults. Silencing of ETHr resulted in significantly higher adult mortality (68.88%), reduced fecundity (4.46 eggs /female), reduced longevity of male and female (1.05 and 1.40 days, respectively) when adults were fed with dsETHr @ 1.0 μg/μl. Silencing of ETHr in nymphs lead to significantly higher mortality (81.35%) as compared to control. This study confirms that ETHr gene is essential for growth and development of whitefly nymphs and adults. Hence, it can be future target for developing dsRNA based insecticides for management of whitefly. [Display omitted] •Our research indicates that Ecdysis triggering hormone receptor gene present in all developmental stages of the whitefly.•ETHr gene plays an important role in the regulation of ecdysis in nymphs and also in the reproduction of adults.•A significant effect on mortality and fecundity was observed due to the silencing of the ETHr gene•ETHr gene acts as a good target gene for RNAi in view of pest management strategies.