Exploring the role of ovary-serine protease gene in female fertility of diamondback moth using CRISPR/Cas9.

Our study suggested that PxOsp plays a vital role in female reproduction, particularly in ovary and egg development. Disrupting PxOsp results in a recessive female sterility while leaving the male reproductive capability unaffected. This report represents the first study of a haplosufficient gene responsible for female fertility in lepidopteran insects. Additionally, these findings emphasize PxOsp as a potential target for genetically-based pest management of P. xylostella. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.