针对世界性的重要害虫小菜蛾仍缺乏直接、安全、有效的控制策略的实际需求，围绕生殖调控决定昆虫生殖潜能与适应性这一科学问题，以生殖调控的基础物质与激素调控生殖的主要靶标卵黄原蛋白基因Vg与卵黄原蛋白受体基因VgR为核心，采用生物化学与分子生物学、免疫化学、解剖形态学与实验生物学等技术与方法，重点研究：(1) 小菜蛾Vg与VgR基因的分子结构特征与表达模式，及两者间的相关性；(2) Vg与VgR基因在小菜蛾卵黄发生与卵子形成中的调控作用；(3) 小菜蛾生殖调控的激素类型，以及Vg与VgR基因对激素调控的响应模式。最后结合激素调控的效应，明确卵黄原蛋白及其受体基因对小菜蛾生殖潜能与适应性的影响。项目预期成果可为阐明小菜蛾成虫的生殖调控机理奠定理论基础，在实践上有助于筛选控制小菜蛾的潜在靶标，为有效防治和持续控制小菜蛾种群暴发与危害提供创新思路和途径。

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae) is the most destructive pests of economically important Brassicea crops. Currently, there are still no effective strategies to control this very prolific insect that can reproduce rapidly in China. To better understand the reproductive regulation of DBM and the consequences on reproductive potential and adaptability, we propose to examine the role of vitellogenin gene Vg and its receptor gene VgR. These genes are mainly involved in reproductive regulation of insects, including hormonal responses. Three experiments will be conducted. First, the molecular characteristics and expression patterns of Vg and VgR genes of DBM, as well as their correlations will be analyzed. Subsequently, the regulation of Vg and VgR genes on vitellogenesis and oogenesis in DBM will be measured. Finally, the hormones involved in reproductive regulation of DBM, and the response of Vg and VgR genes to hormonal regulation will be studied. The integration of Vg and VgR gene expression on reproduction including hormonal responses will help better understand their roles in reproductive capacity and adaptive potential to various environments. This proposed project will establish the theoretical foundations on which it will be possible to use the reproductive regulatory mechanisms in DBM to screen potential genes or regulatory mechanisms as ways to better control DBM populations under various environmental conditions.