Journal of Chemical Ecology (2017) 43, 207-214

Kun Dong, Liang Sun, Jing-Tao Liu, Shao-Hua Gu, Jing-Jiang Zhou, Ruo-Nan Yang, Khalid Hussain Dhiloo, Xi-Wu Gao, Yu-Yuan Guo and Yong-Jun Zhang (2017)
RNAi-induced electrophysiological and behavioral changes reveal two pheromone binding proteins of Helicoverpa armigera involved in the perception of the main sex pheromone component Z11–16:Ald
Journal of Chemical Ecology 43 (2), 207-214
Abstract: Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) are thought to play key roles in insect sex pheromone recognition; however, there is little in vivo evidence to support this viewpoint in comparison to abundant biochemical data in vitro. In the present study, two noctuid PBP genes HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 of the serious agricultural pest, Helicoverpa armigera were selected to be knocked down by RNA interference, and then the changes in electrophysiological and behavioral responses of male mutants to their major sex pheromone component (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald) were recorded. There were no significant electrophysiological or behavioral changes of tested male moths in response to Z11–16:Ald when either single PBP gene was knocked down. However, decreased sensitivity of male moths in response to Z11–16:Ald was observed when both HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 genes were silenced. These results reveal that both HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 are required for the recognition of the main sex pheromone component Z11–16:Ald in H. armigera. Furthermore, these findings may help clarify physiological roles of moth PBPs in the sex pheromone recognition pathway, which in turn could facilitate pest control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Yong-Jun Zhang, Xi-Wu Gao

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa armigera