The molecular characterization of antioxidant enzyme genes in Helicoverpa armigera adults and their involvement in response to ultraviolet-A stress

► Three antioxidant enzyme genes from Helicoverpa armigera were first cloned. ► UV-A radiation could lead to upregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes. ► Longer periods of UV-A radiation did not yield higher levels of mRNA expression. ► All antioxidant enzymes had similar mRNA expression profiles in both sexes.