Metabolomic and Functional Evidence for Psoralen Associated with Resistance of Pepper against the Whitefly

Bemisia tabaci is a major global pest
causing
severe crop losses through phloem feeding and virus transmission,
with heavy insecticide use driving resistance. Pepper (C.
annuum) is naturally resistant to the MEAM1 whitefly, offering
a model for studying inducible plant defenses. Metabolomic analysis
revealed that psoralen accumulates in pepper leaves after whitefly
feeding, a secondary metabolite known for insecticidal properties.
Bioassays showed that psoralen significantly reduces adult survival
and oviposition. Biochemical assays further indicated that psoralen
inhibits key whitefly detoxification enzymes (GSTs, CarEs) and digestive
enzymes (cellulase, α-amylase). These findings identify psoralen
as an inducible defense metabolite contributing to pepper resistance
against B. tabaci and highlight its potential for
sustainable whitefly control through crop improvement or botanical
insecticide development.