Sex-related differences in Trichoplusia ni transcription responses to hederagenin

Saponins, such as those derivate from hederagenin is involved in plant defense against insect herbivores. When fed with different amount of hederagenin, Trichoplusia ni caterpillars have different gene expression levels between males and females. These differences in feeding and detoxification indicates that sex need to be taken into consideration in insecticide evaluations.