Abstract
The cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, is a serious pest of cruciferous crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, collard/spring greens, and horseradish, with a major financial impact. Despite its significant financial importance, there has been little study on the characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes, which are critical components in the control of metabolic activities. This study discovers and investigates 19 CYP450 genes in T. ni that are involved in important metabolic processes such as fatty acid metabolism, resistance mechanisms, phytotoxin response, and insecticide detoxification. We identified important CYP450 genes that play critical roles in conferring resistance to HDAC inhibitor insecticides, particularly sulforaphane and Trichostatin A, using in silico gene expression profiling. The findings reveal insight into the importance of identified genes in detoxifying chemical treatments, which may contribute to the advancement of resistance in cabbage looper populations. Notably, CYP4C1-1, CYP4C1-like-1, and CYP4C1-2emerge as key genes, significantly contributing to resistance and detoxification processes under the effect of HDAC inhibitor-induced chemical stressors. This study provides insight on the genetic mechanisms behind resistance in T. ni, providing important information on potential targets for pest control. These initiatives will pave the way for the development of innovative and effective control measures for cabbage looper populations in agricultural areas.