RNA-Seq analysis reveals the gene expression changes of <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> in response to destruxin A treatment

<i>Bemisia tabaci</i> is an important agricultural pest that has been causing significant economic losses to crops across the globe. Destruxins are secondary metabolites of entomopathogenic fungi which can be used as a potential biopesticide against <i>B. tabaci</i>. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of the immune response of <i>B. tabaci</i> post-destruxin application. In this study, we explored the molecular responses of <i>B. tabaci</i> exposed to destruxin A (DA) using RNA-Seq. A total of 1702, 616, and 555 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in <i>B. tabaci</i> after 4, 8, and 12 h of DA treatment. In addition, 39 putative detoxification-related DEGs including 29 cytochrome P450s (P450s), 5 glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and 5 carboxylesterases (CarEs) were also identified. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that the expression profiles of 19 random DEGs were consistent with the RNA-Seq results. These findings serve as valuable information for a better understanding of the interaction and molecular mechanisms involved in the defense response of <i>B. tabaci</i> against DA.