Overexpression of the transporter SfABCH4 contributes to metabolic resistance to triflumezopyrim in Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).

BACKGROUND: The white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a major migratory pest of rice in Asia. Triflumezopyrim (TFM) is highly effective against S. furcifera, but the mechanisms underlying resistance remain poorly understood. This study investigated the contribution of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to TFM resistance. RESULTS: Verapamil increased TFM toxicity by 1.4-fold in the susceptible strain and 3.7-fold in the resistant strain, suggesting a contribution of ABC transporters to TFM resistance. SfABCH4 expression was 8.89-fold higher following TFM exposure in the resistant strain. Silencing SfABCH4 increased TFM-induced mortality by 20.00-36.67%, whereas GAL4/UAS-mediated overexpression increased TFM resistance by 2.06- and 2.75-fold. SfABCH4 was also highly expressed in field populations, and its silencing increased TFM susceptibility in both the WS24 and XY24 field populations. CONCLUSION: Elevated SfABCH4 expression contributes to TFM resistance in S. furcifera. These findings provide functional evidence for ABC transporter-mediated resistance and may facilitate resistance monitoring and management of S. furcifera. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.