Untargeted UHPLC-MS Metabolomics Reveals the Metabolic Perturbations of Helicoverpa armigera under the Stress of Novel Insect Growth Regulator ZQ-8

According to the previous research of our group, we found compound ZQ-8 ((1S,2R,4S)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-yl-4-(tert-butyl)benzoate). This compound showed a strong growth inhibitory effect on Helicoverpa armigera by inhibiting chitinase 2 and endochitinase. To further understand the mechanism of ZQ-8 interfering with the growth and development of H. armigera, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was utilized to analyze the metabolomics of the epidermis and viscera of H. armigera after ZQ-8 stress. The results revealed that the content of most metabolites was down-regulated after ZQ-8 treatment. Through the analysis of metabolic pathways, it was found that ZQ -8 mainly interfered with energy metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis pathways, which may be one of the important factors in which ZQ-8 caused the death of H. armigera larvae. Furthermore, ZQ-8 not only inhibits chitin degradation but also inhibits chitin synthesis in vivo. These findings provide new insights into a better understanding of the mechanism of action of ZQ-8.