Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Kir1 impacts mating behavior of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

Background: The inward rectifier Potassium Channel 1 (Kir1) is a promising target for insecticides in mosquitoes; however, its physiological role in Lepidoptera pests remains poorly understood, limiting its application in pest management.

Results: The electrophysiological characteristics of the Kir1 channel were examined in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), focusing on its essential role in physiological functions. In P. xylostella, the Kir1 channel exhibits typical characteristics of inward-rectifying potassium channels and can be inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of VU590, VU625, and flonicamid. Kir1-knockout (PxKir1-KO) strains were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the first time, resulting in the disruption of female Sex Pheromone synthesis and the males' ability to detect these pheromones. This disruption ultimately had a negative impact on both mating behavior and reproductive success. Compared to the wild-type female (WT^F) × wild-type male (WT^M) group, egg production in the PxKir1-KO^F × PxKir1-KO^M, PxKir1-KO^F × WT^M, and WT^F × PxKir1-KO^M groups decreased by 86.92%, 84.78%, and 67.99%, respectively (P < 0.001). Additionally, hatching rates decreased by 52.76%, 45.08%, and 14%, respectively. Treatment of wild-type P. xylostella with VU590 and/or VU625 also influenced their mating and oviposition behaviors.

Conclusion: This study elucidates the electrophysiological characteristics of the PxKir1 channel, highlighting its role in regulating the mating of P. xylostella and offering new insights for prevention and control of P. xylostella. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kir1 channel; Plutella xylostella; mating; pest management.