Journal article
Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of the spider-venom peptides Dc1a and Ta1a against economically important lepidopteran pests
Toxicon, Vol.269, pp.1-7
2026
PMID: 41248714
Abstract
Lepidopterans are the most economically significant crop pests. They are mainly controlled with chemical insecticides that often suffer from insect resistance and adverse effects on the environment and human health. Insect-specific spider-venom peptides are considered safer, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides, and two insecticidal spider-venom derived peptides have already been commercialised by Vestaron Corporation, while more candidates are being progressed in global discovery pipelines. This study focusses on two insecticidal spider-venom peptides-Dc1a and Ta1a- and assesses their suitability in targeting five species of lepidopteran pests by injection and oral application, using Vestaron's commercial ω/κ-Hv1a as a reference. In addition, the potential of bacterial Bt Cry toxins in providing synergistic insecticidal activities with these spider-venom peptides is evaluated. We found that when applied by injection, all peptides caused paralysis and mortality against all tested lepidopteran species within a narrow dose range. In contrast, the differences in insecticidal activity were more pronounced when orally applied. Helicoverpa consistently was the genus most susceptible to the spider-venom peptides, independent of the route of application, which we presume being related to its particular food preferences. Furthermore, we found synergistic activities for co-application of each of the spider-venom peptides with sublethal amounts of Bt Cry toxins in H. armigera. Overall, our results indicate that Dc1a and Ta1a are suitable bioinsecticide candidates for targeting certain lepidopteran pests, with co-application of Bt Cry toxins considered a viable strategy for increasing their efficacy as foliar sprays.
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of the spider-venom peptides Dc1a and Ta1a against economically important lepidopteran pests
- Authors
- Volker Herzig - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationYachen Wang - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationShaodong Guo - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationGlenn F King - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Toxicon, Vol.269, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108658
- ISSN
- 1879-3150
- PMID
- 41248714
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- Data will be made available on request.
- Grants
- Grant note
- We acknowledge financial support from Nufarm (Melbourne, VIC, Australia).
- Organisation Unit
- Academic Support Unit; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991184322302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- Toxicology