G6PDH Plays a Novel Role in Insect Reproduction by Regulating Vitellogenin and Its Receptor in Myzus persicae

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is a highly conserved enzyme across species in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and plays a crucial role in embryonic development. As embryos are relatively sensitive to oxidative stress, the absence of G6PDH may lead to embryonic lethality. This study systematically investigates the regulatory role of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase ( G6PDH ) genes in the reproductive process of the globally significant agricultural pest, Myzus persicae . Two key genes, MpG6PDH1 and MpG6PDH2 , were first cloned and identified. Expression pattern analysis revealed distinct tissue and developmental stage specificity for both genes: they were highly expressed in the epidermis and midgut, with MpG6PDH1 showing peak expression during the adult stage, while MpG6PDH2 was significantly upregulated at the fourth‐instar nymphal stage, suggesting their respective close associations with adult fecundity and the transition from nymph to reproductive stage. Subsequently, functional verification was conducted through RNA interference experiments. It was found that at the optimal dsRNA treatment concentration of 160 ng/μL, both MpG6PDH1 and MpG6PDH2 gene silencing could inhibit the G6PDH activity in M. persicae , as well as the expression of Vg and VgR genes. Abnormal developmental phenotypes such as body curling and surface wrinkling occurred, and the production of nymphs significantly decreased (by 36.72% and 51.51% respectively), and the population establishment ability weakened (reaching 40.2% and 44.5% respectively on the sixth day). The findings demonstrate that the G6PDH gene plays a key regulatory role in the normal development and reproductive capacity of the M. persicae . This result not only fills a research gap regarding the role of G6PDH in insect reproductive regulation but also provides an important molecular target and theoretical basis for developing novel green control strategies targeting reproductive processes.