Unveiling the Regulatory Mechanisms of Irradiation Response in Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Under Hypoxic Conditions

Li Li; Changyao Shan; Qiang Xu; Baishu Li; Haijun Liu; Tao Liu

doi:10.3390/agriculture15202104

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Unveiling the Regulatory Mechanisms of Irradiation Response in Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Under Hypoxic Conditions

Journal article

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Unveiling the Regulatory Mechanisms of Irradiation Response in Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Under Hypoxic Conditions

Li Li, Changyao Shan, Qiang Xu, Baishu Li, Haijun Liu and Tao Liu

Agriculture (Basel), Vol.15(20), 2104

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15202104

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Abstract

hypoxia/oxygen limitation

modified atmosphere (MA/MAP)

phytosanitary irradiation

Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi

transcriptome analysis

Mealybugs are high-priority quarantine pests in fresh-produce trade due to cryptic habits, broad host ranges, and market-access risks. Phytosanitary irradiation (PI) provides a non-residual, process-controlled option that is increasingly integrated with modified-atmosphere (MA/MAP) logistics. Because molecular oxygen enhances indirect radiation damage (oxygen enhancement ratio, OER), oxygen limitation may modulate PI outcomes in mealybugs. The Jack Beardsley mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi) has an IPPC-adopted PI treatment of 166 Gy (ISPM 28, PT 45). We exposed adult females to 166 Gy under air and 1% O2 and generated whole-transcriptome profiles across treatments. Differentially expressed genes and co-differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) were integrated with protein–protein interaction (PPI) and regulatory networks, and ten hubs were validated by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Hypoxia attenuated irradiation-induced transcriptional disruption. Expression programs shifted toward transport, redox buffering, and immune readiness, while morphogen signaling (Wnt, Hedgehog, BMP) was coherently suppressed; hubs including wg, hh, dpp, and ptc showed stronger down-regulation under hypoxia + irradiation than under irradiation alone. Despite these molecular differences, confirmatory bioassays at 166 Gy under both atmospheres (air and 1% O2) achieved complete control. These results clarify how oxygen limitation modulates PI responses in a quarantine mealybug while confirming the operational efficacy of the prescribed 166 Gy dose. Practically, they support the current international standard and highlight the value of documenting oxygen atmospheres and managing dose margins when PI is applied within MA/MAP supply chains.

Details

Title: Unveiling the Regulatory Mechanisms of Irradiation Response in Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors/Creators: Li Li - Institute of Equipment Technology, Chinese Academy of Quality and Inspection & Testing, Beijing, China
Changyao Shan - Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine
Qiang Xu - Guangzhou Customs District Technology Center, Guangzhou, China
Baishu Li - Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine
Haijun Liu - Guangzhou Customs District Technology Center, Guangzhou, China
Tao Liu - Plant (United States)
Publication Details: Agriculture (Basel), Vol.15(20), 2104
Publisher: MDPI
Number of pages: 16
Identifiers: 991005828249607891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute; College of Environmental and Life Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.32 Entomology; 3.32.1846 Tephritidae
Web Of Science research areas: Agronomy
ESI research areas: Agricultural Sciences