Impact of sublethal concentrations of flonicamid on key demographic parameters and feeding behavior of Schizaphis graminum

Flonicamid is a novel systemic insecticide that efficiently controls sap-sucking insect pests. However, the impact of sublethal concentrations of flonicamid on key demographic parameters and the feeding behavior of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum has not yet been studied. In this study, we used the age stage, two-sex life table approach, and electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) to investigate the sublethal effects of flonicamid on the biological traits and feeding behavior of S. graminum. Bioassays showed that flonicamid possesses high toxicity to adult S. graminum with LC₅₀ of 5.111 mg L^-1 following 48 h exposure. Sublethal concentrations of flonicamid (LC₅ and LC₁₀) significantly decreased the longevity and fecundity of directly exposed parental aphids (F₀), while the reproductive days were reduced only at LC₁₀. The pre-adult stage and total pre-reproductive period (TPRP) increased in F₁ individuals after exposure of F₀ aphids to the sublethal concentrations of flonicamid. Furthermore, the adult longevity, fecundity and key demographic parameters (R₀, r, and λ) were significantly reduced in progeny generation (F₁). EPG recordings showed that the total duration of phloem sap ingestion and concurrent salivation (E2) decreased substantially in F₀ and F₁ aphids after exposure to LC₅ and LC₁₀ of flonicamid. Taken together, our results showed that the sublethal concentrations of flonicamid affect the demographic parameters and feeding behavior that ultimately suppress the population growth of S. graminum. This study provides in-depth information about the overall effects of flonicamid on S. graminum that might help to manage this key pest.