Argonaute family genes encode a highly conserved group of proteins that have been associated with RNA silencing in both animals and plants. This study investigates the importance of microRNA biogenesis key regulatorsArgonaute1(Ago1) andGawkygenes in the post-embryonic and ovarian development of the melon fly,Zeugodacus cucurbitae. The expression levels of these genes were mapped in all developmental stages and different adult tissues. Their roles in development were investigated using RNA interference (RNAi)viatwo different dsRNA delivery techniques. Embryo microinjection and oral feeding of third instar larvae successfully knocked down and greatly reduced the expression level of the target genes. Additionally, ex vivo essays revealed the stability of dsRNA in food was sufficient for gene silencing, although its integrity was affected in midgut. A wide range of phenotypes were observed on pupation, segmentation, pigmentation, and ovarian development. RNAi-mediated silencing ofGawkycaused high mortality and loss of body segmentation, whileAgo1knockdown affected ovarian development and pigmentation. Developmental abnormalities and ovarian malformations caused by silencing these genes suggest that these genes are crucial for viability and reproductive capacity ofZ. cucurbitae, and may be used as potential target genes in pest management.

Outbreaks of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), present significant challenges to global fruit production, necessitating effective control measures that minimize environmental risks and pesticide resistance. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of four distinct push–pull control strategies for managing B. dorsalis outbreaks in a Nephelium lappaceum orchard. These strategies involved the inclusion of low-concentration abamectin, spraying repellent with a drone or manually, using methyl eugenol (ME) or food bait and employing either two types of attractants and repellents or a single type. The findings indicated that incorporating the low-concentration abamectin into the push–pull system, utilizing ME as an attractant instead of food lures and manually applying abamectin and attractants were all effective in reducing the B. dorsalis population size and minimizing fruit damage. While increasing the diversity of repellents and attractants enhanced the long-term effectiveness of the system, it did not result in a significant decrease in B. dorsalis population size or fruit damage rate compared to using a single repellent or attractant. In conclusion, the push–pull strategy emerged as a viable method for managing B. dorsalis outbreaks, offering potential benefits in reducing environmental risks and pesticide resistance. However, the study underscored the importance of the context-specific construction of push–pull strategies to optimize their effectiveness in orchard settings.