Aspects of insect chemical ecology: exploitation of reception and detection as tools for deception of pests and beneficial insects (original) (raw)
Related papers
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 2006
Chemical communication is virtually universal among terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Chemical signals control the interactions of cells and organs (hormones) as well as the intra-(pheromones) and interspecific (allelochemicals) relationships between animals. The review considers three examples for chemical communication in insects and other arthropods on different hierarchic levels of biological organization, from the intraindividual level, where hormones control development and reproduction of the animals, to the interspecific level, where semiochemicals function as defense agents against predators or may be used for finding and recognizing food resources. Knowledge of the function of these systems and of the molecular structures of the chemical compounds involved may provide the basis for highly selective techniques of pest control. * This paper was prepared as an overview of a symposium session presented at "Animals and Environments," the Third International Conference for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Ithala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2004 (http://www.natural-events.com/ithala/default-follow\_2.asp).
2015
Pest control strategies targeting insect olfaction represent a promising venue for control of tortricid insects (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Among tortricids, the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) and the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) are serious pests for worldwide production of fruit crops. We employed several approaches to the olfactory system, from electrophysiological and behavioral studies in the grapevine moth, to bioinformatic and molecular studies of olfactory sensory proteins in the codling moth. At the receptor level, we studied both the Olfactory Receptors (ORs), the most common class of sensory proteins mediating detection of odors in insect antennae, and the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, a novel family of receptor, that recently were also found in the antennae of lepidopterous species. We demonstrated electrophysiological and behavioral responses of the grapevine moth to volatiles emitted by a non-host, Perilla frutescens, previously known to activate TRPs in the rat, Rattus norvegicus. In the codling moth, we characterized a novel TRP channel (TRPA pyrexia-like) and we confirmed activation of its human orthologue to the same non-host compounds active on the olfactory system of the grapevine moth. ORs were heterologously expressed in vivo and in vitro, for identification of their ligands among host and non-host plant volatiles and pheromones (deorphanization). Among several ORs of codling moth, we deorphanized a candidate pheromone receptor (PR) to plant synergists, an OR to non-host volatiles and another PR candidate to a pheromone antagonist of the insect. Our study thus opens for refinement of existing pest control, or novel applications. The behavioral response of the grapevine moth to volatiles from a nonhost plant, and the identification of a novel TRP channel in the codling moth may have perspectives for application in agriculture, targeting the somatosensory system of these tortricids. The evolutionary implications of the responses of the human orthologue of TRPA pyrexia-like to volatiles active on the grapevine moth olfactory system could imply a large degree of conservation of the receptor function. In the codling moth, identification of synergist and antagonist ligands for candidate PRs and deorphanization of an OR to non-host plant volatiles suggest a possible role of these receptors in reproductive and ecological isolation. This could lead to further refinement of existing semiochemicalbased control techniques, by enabling a better understanding of mate-and host-finding in this species.
Interactions of insect pheromones and plant semiochemicals
Trends in Plant Science, 2004
Plant semiochemicals are known to produce a wide range of behavioral responses in insects. Some insects sequester or acquire host plant compounds and use them as sex pheromones or sex pheromone precursors. Other insects produce or release sex pheromones in response to specific host plant cues, and chemicals from host plants often synergistically enhance the response of an insect to sex pheromones. Plant volatiles can also have inhibitory or repellent effects that interrupt insect responses to pheromones and attract predators and parasitoids to the attacking species after herbivory injury. Here, we review different interactions between plant semiochemicals and insect pheromones, paying attention to those that can result in the development of more efficient and reliable programs for pest control.
Semiochemicals for controlling insect pests
2019
Semiochemicals are defined as informative molecules mainly used in plant-insect or insectinsect interactions as alternative or complementary components to insecticide approaches in different integrated pest management strategies. They are used to manipulate insect behaviour by affecting the survival and/or reproduction of insect pests for controlling their infestations on crops. The present review provides a basic summary of the utilization of semiochemicals for controlling insect pests. Two main topics were explored in this study. The first topic focuses on a description of semiochemicals and their types (pheromones and allelochemicals). Pheromones represent an intraspecific communication amidst members of the same species. Allelochemicals, produced by individuals of one species, modify the behavior of individuals of a different species (i.e. an interspecific effect). Allelochemicals include different informative molecules such as: allomones, kairomones, synomones, antimones and ap...
Insect Parapheromones in Olfaction Research and Semiochemical-Based Pest Control Strategies
Annual Review of Entomology, 2000
The possibility of disrupting the chemical communication of insect pests has initiated the development of new semiochemicals, parapheromones, which are anthropogenic compounds structurally related to natural pheromone components. Modification at the chain and/or at the polar group, isosteric replacements, halogenation or introduction of labeled atoms have been the most common modifications of the pheromone structure. Parapheromones have shown a large variety of effects, and accordingly have been called agonists, pheromone mimics, synergists and hyperagonists, or else pheromone antagonists, antipheromones and inhibitors. Pheromone analogues have been used in quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of insect olfaction, and from a practical point of view they can replace pheromones when these are costly to prepare or unstable under field conditions.
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2007
The sex pheromone of feral sweet potato weevils Cylas formicarius elegantulus from Cuba was found, via solid-phase microextraction analysis, to be identical to (Z)-3dodecenyl (E)-2-butenoate, a previously reported compound. Females emitted 20 pg pheromone d −1 . In scanning electron microscopy studies carried out on the male antenna, we identified several types of sensilla: sensilla trichoidea of type 1 (ST1) as long hairs (100-150 μm), sensilla trichoidea of type 2 as short hairs (50-60 μm), sensilla basiconica of type 1 as thick pegs (20-25 μm), sensilla basiconica of type 2 as curved pegs (10-15 μm), and sensilla basiconica of type 3 as thin and straight short pegs (15-20 μm). The same types were observed in female antennae but ST1 were far less abundant than in males. Sensilla chaetica were also found on the flagellum subsegments in both sexes. In electrophysiological tests, the crotonate function in the pheromone structure proved to be critical for activity since regular depolarizations (0.6-0.8 mV) were obtained with puffs on 1 μg of the attractant, but not with puffs of the formate, acetate, propionate, or butyrate analogue of the pheromone. In a double dual-choice olfactometer, males showed maximum activity between the 4th and the 8th hr of scotophase at a dose of 50-1000 ng of pheromone. In field tests, a correlation between the contents of the Z,E isomer in the pheromone formulation with activity was noticed, and baits containing this isomer of stereomeric purity >94% showed the highest attractivity. The presence of 5% of the Z,Z isomer in the lure did not induce any synergistic or inhibitory effect, and the alcohol precursor of the pheromone was inactive. The results show that use of a stereomerically pure pheromone may not be necessary in pest control strategies.
Chemical Communication: A Visit with Insects
Current Chemical Biology, 2008
Fundamental to the behavioral biology, organisms have the ability to detect and respond to chemical stimuli. Olfactory signal transduction and information processing in insects (e.g., moths) is a prime example of chemical communication found in nature for its exquisite sensitivity and selectivity. Although not completely understood yet, extensive research on the biology and chemistry of this complex event has revealed many facets of olfaction where donors, recipients, enormous pool of chemicals/stimulators, binding/carrier proteins and cellular receptors play their respective role with high precision, selectivity and sensitivity. Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), present in the antenna of male moth and other insect species, bind the volatile hydrophobic pheromone molecules and transport them across the aqueous sensillar lymph to the membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptor proteins. Recent structural studies on the PBP and PBP-pheromone complex have advanced our knowledge about the likely mode of ligand release and activation of pheromone receptors/odorant receptors. The pH-dependent conformational changes of the PBP play the key role in binding to the selective ligand, then shuttling and ultimately releasing the ligand to the receptor at the target cell membrane. Both the relatively higher pH of the sensillar lymph and the lower pH at the dendritic membrane are physiologically very important to foster the binding to and release of the ligand from PBP respectively. The NMR structures of the PBP at high and low pH provide evidence in support of this mechanism. However, the pH-induced structural change of pheromone-binding protein is quite different between two moths (B. mori and A. polyphemus) thus far studied.
A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Semiochemical Exploitation for Insect Pest Management
A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Semiochemical Exploitation for Insect Pest Management, 2024
In recent years, semiochemical-based pest management strategies have gained significant attention as they offer sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticides. The integration of semiochemicals into pest management strategies presents innovative approaches to addressing agricultural challenges. One promising method involves combining pheromones with entomopathogenic fungi, utilizing a "lure and infect" technique that attracts pests to fungal pathogens, enhancing control efficacy. Another advancement is the auto-dissemination approach, which promotes the spread of microbial pathogens within insect populations, effectively targeting pests like the fall armyworm. Additionally, the induction of plant defences through "plant vaccination" by zoophytophagous predators offers a novel way to enhance plant resistance against herbivores. Research into the production of insect pheromones in plants further supports sustainable pest management by disrupting pest mating behaviours. Electroantennography has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding insect olfaction, aiding in the identification of effective semiochemicals. The push-pull strategy employs plant semiochemicals to manipulate pest behaviour, while pheromone dispensers provide efficient and long-lasting applications of these compounds. Collectively, these advancements highlight the potential of semiochemicals in revolutionizing pest management practices, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions. Continued research and innovation in these areas are crucial for optimizing the use of semiochemicals, ultimately contributing to more effective and environmentally friendly pest control methods.