Azadirachtin inhibits the development and metabolism of the silk glands of Spodoptera frugiperda and affects spinning behavior.

This study provides a preliminary report of the effect of azadirachtin on the spinning behavior of the S. frugiperda larvae. Metabolomic results indicated that histidine, glycine and leucine, which are related to serine protein synthesis, were down-regulated. Azadirachtin can damage the silk glands of S. frugiperda and thus affect spinning behavior. This provides the basis for the control of S. frugiperda by spinning silk. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.