Sex-specific nutritional optimization for pesticide resistance in pest caterpillars
Research collaboration opportunity investigating how dietary protein-to-carbohydrate ratios affect sex-dependent pesticide detoxification ability in pest caterpillars (Spodoptera exigua and Trichoplusia ni). The study aims to develop targeted pest management strategies by understanding nutritional quality impacts on detoxification enzyme expression and female fecundity.
Overview
This research collaboration opportunity addresses a critical gap in integrated pest management by exploring how dietary nutritional quality influences pesticide resistance in pest caterpillars. The study investigates sex-dependent differences in detoxification capacity, with the hypothesis that female caterpillars require higher dietary nitrogen to support both reproduction and pesticide detoxification, while males can allocate more nitrogen to detoxification enzymes. Findings will inform more targeted and effective pest control strategies for agricultural applications.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Rearing of two pest caterpillar species (Spodoptera exigua and Trichoplusia ni) on diets with varying protein-to-digestible carbohydrate ratios
- Exposure to Spinosyn A and D pesticide mixture to measure resistance outcomes
- Measurement of sex-related differences in development, mortality, and detoxification enzyme activity
- Analysis of carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase expression and activity
- Assessment of pupal lipid content and adult female fecundity
- Flexibility to substitute pest species if accessible and easy to rear
Key research hypotheses:
- Higher dietary nitrogen increases pesticide resistance in caterpillars
- Male caterpillars require less nitrogen for development
- Male caterpillars allocate more nitrogen to detoxification enzymes, improving pesticide tolerance
Technology readiness level
The research team has preliminary data demonstrating that dietary nutritional quality affects caterpillar pesticide detoxification ability. An unpublished study has already identified sex-dependent differences in detoxification of plant specialized metabolites in both Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera exigua. The proposed two-year validation study will build on these findings to characterize enzyme expression, fecundity outcomes, and mortality responses. The project is seeking partnership support for a MSc student to complete the validation work.
About McGill University
McGill University is a comprehensive public research university in Montréal, Québec, known for an international community and a research‑intensive culture. Faculty and industry collaborate through shared core facilities and co‑located labs across downtown and hospital sites, with integration into a major hospital system enabling clinical research and translation. Proximity to Montréal’s established industry clusters and a vibrant innovation district give companies access to talent, pilots, and testbeds. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and philanthropic sources. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines contracting and IP, supports licensing and sponsored research, and connects partners to startups and entrepreneurship resources.
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