Insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) regulates multiple physiological processes such as larval growth, reproduction, and life span in many organisms including legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). RNA interference of IIS components, insulin receptor (InR) and Forkhead Box O (FOXO), impaired larval growth and female reproduction. To further validate the physiological roles of InR and FOXO, we generated knock-out (KO) mutants using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-editing technology. Both KO mutants exhibited delayed larval growth and reduced pupal and adult body sizes. In conclusion, these results demonstrated the critical role of insulin signaling (IIS) pathway to control M. vitrata growth and development.

• Md. Abdullah Al Baki(Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University)
• Yonggyun Kim(Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University)