Molecular mechanisms and trade-offs underlying fluctuating thermal regimes during low-temperature storage

Abstract

Insects exposed to constant low temperatures (CLT) exhibit high rates of mortality as well as a variety of sublethal effects. In many species, interruptions of CLT with brief pulses of warm temperatures (fluctuating thermal regimes, FTR) lead to increases in survival and fewer sublethal effects. However, we still lack a complete understanding of the physiological mechanisms activated during FTR. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding FTR's underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss knowledge gaps related to potential trade-offs between FTR's beneficial effects and the costs of these repairs to overwintering reserves and reproduction. We present the hypothesis that the warm pulse of FTR helps to maintain daily rhythmicity.