X-ray irradiation hinders flight ability of Cydia pomonella male moths by energy metabolism dysfunction

Flight in insects is essential for behaviors such as courtship, foraging, and migration, with energy metabolism serving as its primary energy source. Previous study indicates that high-dose X-ray irradiation compromises the flight capacity of male Cydia pomonella moths utilized in sterile insect technique (SIT) programs. However, the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been fully understood.

In this study, we report that X-ray irradiated sterile C. pomonella moths showed reduced flight capabilities due to disrupted energy metabolism. Compared to the non-irradiated group, irradiated moths exhibited significantly decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and enzymatic activities of citrate synthase (CS), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), and 3-Hydroxyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD). Transcriptional analysis revealed downregulation of expression of genes associated with energy metabolism in the primary locomotor tissues post-irradiation, specifically those encoding CS (CS2), GAPDH (Gapdh2), GPDH (GPD2), and HOAD (HADHA, HADH1, B0272, HADH2) enzymes. Additionally, exogenous supplementation with decanoic acid and citric acid, the agonist and product of CS respectively, restored flight capacity of sterile moths.

These findings not only confirm that X-ray irradiation disrupts energy metabolism leading to impaired flight, but also offer a potential strategy to overcome this limitation before releasing sterile moths as a component of integrated pest management program using the SIT. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.