Intergenerational Sublethal Effects of Flonicamid on Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii: An Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table...

Flonicamid is a novel systemic insecticide widely used against aphids. However, the intergenerational sublethal effects of flonicamid on cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, have not been fully studied. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects of flonicamid on the biological parameters of adult A. gossypii (F₀) and its subsequent intergenerational effects on the offspring (F₁ generation) through age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results of the bioassays indicate that flonicamid exhibits significant toxicity toward adult A. gossypii, as evidenced by an LC₅₀ value of 0.372 mg L^-1 after a 48-h exposure period. The longevity, fecundity, and reproductive days of adult cotton aphids (F₀) were significantly decreased when treated with the sublethal concentrations of flonicamid. The pre-adult stage exhibited an increase, whereas the adult longevity, total longevity, and fecundity experienced a notable decrease in F₁ aphids after the exposure of F₀ aphids to sublethal concentrations of flonicamid. Furthermore, the key demographic parameters, including r, λ, R₀, and RP_d, showed a significant decrease, while the total pre-reproductive period (TPRP) experienced a significant increase in the F₁ generation. Collectively, our findings indicate that sublethal concentrations of flonicamid impact the demographic parameters of A. gossypii, resulting in suppression of population growth. This study presents comprehensive information on the overall impact of flonicamid on A. gossypii, which could potentially aid in managing this major pest.