Effects of Nano-Graphene Oxide on the Growth and Reproductive Dynamics of Spodoptera frugiperda Based on an Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is an important pest in a variety of different crops. Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising candidate used in a biological context because of its versatility. In agriculture, GO could be potentially used as a pesticide additive to improve the efficacy of insecticides. In this study, the effects of GO on the development and reproduction of FAWs were determined based on life table analysis. The results showed that GO could prolong the duration of the egg stage and instar larval stages, but shorten lifespan of male and female adults, and this effect was enhanced with increasing GO concentrations. GO also reduced the number of eggs laid by female moths. In addition, the expression of genes related to reproduction have also been affected by GO. In conclusion, GO prolonged the developmental period of FAWs, decreased fecundity, and may decline the population size. The study provides a basis for the rational use of GO as a pesticide synergist for FAW control. ABSTRACT: The development and reproduction of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, which were reared on artificial diets containing nano-graphene oxide (GO), were determined based on age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results showed that GO had adverse effects on FAWs. Compared with the control, the duration of the egg stage and first, second, and sixth instar larval stages increased with increasing GO concentrations; however, the lifespan of male and female adults decreased with increasing GO concentrations. Weights of FAW pupae that were supplied with GO-amended diets increased by 0.17–15.20% compared to the control. Intrinsic growth, limited growth, and net reproductive rates of FAWs feeding on GO supplemented diets were significantly lower than the control, while mean generational periods (0.5 mg/g: 38.47; 1 mg/g: 40.38; 2 mg/g: 38.42) were significantly longer than the control. The expression of genes encoding vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) expression was abnormal in female FAW adults feeding on GO-amended diets; the number of eggs laid decreased relative to the control, but Vg expression increased. In conclusion, GO prolonged the developmental period of FAWs, decreased fecundity, and led to a decline in the population size. The study provides a basis for the rational use of GO as a pesticide synergist for FAW control.