ZcKr-h1 Knockdown Impairs Female Reproduction and Lifespan in Zeugodacus cucurbitae Under Normal and Short-Term High Temperature

Abstract

Simple Summary Short-term high temperature is an important environmental factor affecting the population dynamics of invasive insect pests. Kr-h1 is a key gene involved in insect reproduction and development. Here, we investigated the role of ZcKr-h1 in female melon flies under normal and short-term heat conditions. We found that ZcKr-h1 plays an important role in female reproduction and survival under both conditions. When we silenced this gene, egg production dropped sharply, the egg-laying period was shortened, ovarian development was delayed, and adult lifespan was significantly reduced. These findings demonstrate that although ZcKr-h1 plays a critical role in regulating female reproduction and survival, additional factors may mediate the effects of short-term heat stress on Vg3 expression.