The Gene Regulates the Reproduction and Lifespan of Female (Coquillett) Mediated by Short-Term High Temperatures.

(Coquillett) is a significant pest affecting fruit and vegetables in tropical and subtropical regions, and its development and reproduction are enhanced after exposure to short-term high-temperature stress at 45 °C. Vitellogenin (Vg) is an essential precursor of yolk protein formation in eggs and plays a vital role in the ovarian development of insects. Interfering with the () gene in short-term high-temperature conditions decreases the fecundity of female adults, while the transcription level of the gene increases. To elucidate the reproductive function of the gene and the synergistic relationship among the genes under short-term high temperatures, this study injected siRNA to interfere with the gene after subjecting to a 1 h treatment at 45 °C and 25 °C. The expression of the gene was suppressed, leading to the upregulation of the and genes, and the expression of the gene was initially decreased and then increased. Silencing the gene after a 1 h treatment at 45 °C resulted in a reduction of approximately 84.7% and 75.9% in the fecundity and spawning days of female adults compared to the control. The development rate of their ovaries and the ovarian diameter significantly decreased, and their lifespan was reduced by 71%. The gene plays a crucial role in the reproduction of in short-term high-temperature conditions. The results of this study provide potential targets for the development of RNAi-based techniques for the control of .