Fenoxycarb exposure affects antiviral immunity and HaNPV infection in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

Background: Application of insect growth regulators (IGR) is a good option for insect pest management because of their fewer adverse effects on humans and domestic animals. These compounds are capable of interfering with normal growth and development by mimicking the actions of hormones such as juvenile hormone (JH) or ecdysone. The effect of JH and its analogs on some aspects of insect immunity has been determined, yet their possible effects on antiviral immunity response has not been investigated yet.

The endocrine disruptor, fenoxycarb modulates gut immunity and gut bacteria titer in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

The endocrine system modulates several physiological functions such as development and metamorphosis in insects. The normal growth and development of insects is interfered with insect growth regulators (IGRs), which act as mimics of insect hormones like juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone hormone. The effects of JH and its analogs on systemic immunity have been identified.