Life table analysis and RNA‐Seq reveal hormesis and transgenerational effects of deltamethrin on Aphis gossypii

Background Deltamethrin, as a highly effective and broad‐spectrum insecticide, has been widely used for agricultural pest control such as Aphis gossypii worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that despite great economic benefits brought by it, deltamethrin has also non‐negligible side effects. However, the potential risks and related molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Results Herein, the life table parameters and transcriptome sequencing analyses of the four successive aphid generations were performed to investigate the hormesis and transgenerational effects of deltamethrin on A. gossypii. The life table analysis showed that although the exposure of G0 aphid to 30% lethal concentration (LC30) deltamethrin significantly reduced the net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and fecundity of G0, but it significantly enhanced the R0 and fecundity of subsequent two generations (G1 and G2) of A. gossypii. Moreover, transcriptomic analyses showed that the signaling pathways related to posttranscriptional regulation (spliceosome), protein processing, longevity regulating, and cell proliferation (DNA replication, homologous recombination and non‐homologous end‐joining) were significantly up‐regulated in G1 or G2 under LC30 deltamethrin treatment. Additionally, we also found that the deltamethrin–sulfoxaflor rotation of G0 and G1 still induced reproductive stimulation, but the reproductive stimulation induced by insecticides rotation treatment was significantly lower than that in the deltamethrin exposure alone. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin significantly enhanced the offspring fecundity of cotton aphid. In addition, our study also reveals the transcriptional response mechanism of hormesis‐induced fecundity increase, providing valuable reference for optimizing the application of deltamethrin in integrated pest management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Our study demonstrates that sublethal concentrations of deltamethrin significantly enhanced the fecundity of offspring. In addition, our study reveals the transcriptional response mechanism of hormesis‐induced fecundity increase.