Tandem duplication of P450 genes is involved in homoterpene biosynthesis in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus).

Background: The irregular acyclic homoterpenes 4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) and 4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT) are key volatile compounds involved in various chemical ecological interactions, particularly contributing to plant defense against phytophagous insects. However, the genomic basis and evolutionary history of homoterpene biosynthesis in legumes remain largely unexplored, limiting our understanding of their functional diversification and ecological roles.

Results: Using a yeast expression system, we identified two novel, tandemly duplicated cytochrome P450 genes, PlCYP82D47-like and PlCYP82D47, involved in DMNT and TMTT biosynthesis in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus).

Odorant-Binding Protein 33 Mediates Detection of the Host-Associated Compounds in Larvae.

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are integral components of the insect olfactory system, assisting in the recognition of volatile chemical signals; their host recognition function makes them potential targets for the development of novel attractants. In this study, we identified OBP33 () as being highly expressed in larval antennae, suggesting a potential role in olfactory perception. Through fluorescence binding assays and molecular docking, we identified four critical residues in for ligand interaction.

Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on sex pheromone communication behavior of male Athetis lepigone by upregulating odorant-binding protein 20.

Sex pheromone communication is critical for moth reproduction, relying on olfactory genes such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) expressed in the antennae. This study investigates how chlorantraniliprole stress impacts the sex pheromone communication behaviors of male Athetis lepigone. We found that chlorantraniliprole inhibited calling and mating behaviors.

Decoding Peroxidase Gene Function in Heat Stress Adaptation of : Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms of Short-Term Thermal Tolerance.

(Acari: Tetranychidae) is a widely distributed agricultural pest, and it possesses an exceptional capacity to withstand or adapt to short-term heat stress. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this heat tolerance, using both transcriptome and whole-genome data, we identified six distinct genes in and characterized their physicochemical properties and structural features. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized to analyze the expression profiles of these genes under short-term heat stress.

Multiple Antennal Sensory Membrane Neuron Protein Genes Mediate Rice Plant Host Location in the White-Backed Planthopper.

While the sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) family has been linked to sex pheromone detection, roles in other olfactory-associated and nonolfactory functions have not been as well-defined. In this study, four SNMP genes were identified for the white-backed planthopper (; WBPH), a major pest of rice plants. Tissue-specific transcriptomic data indicated that all four are not only expressed in the antennae to varying levels but also observed in several non-olfactory tissues.

Identification of Adult Attractants through Functional Analyses of Chemosensory Protein 21 from the Bean Bug .

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play a key role in olfactory recognition, offering promising avenues for the development of innovative insect pest management strategies. In this study, we investigated from the bean bug , a key legume pest species, and first confirmed displayed antennal-skewed expression. Fluorescence competitive binding assays, structural modeling, molecular docking, and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that RpedCSP21 exhibits certain binding affinity for five soybean volatiles and one aggregation pheromone.

Divergent Selection Promotes Intraspecific Genomic Differentiation in With Possible Involvement in Detoxification.

The cotton leafworm, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major agricultural pest affecting crops like cotton, maize, tomatoes, and wheat across southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and western Asia. Whole genome analyses have revealed adaptive evolution in chemosensation and detoxification genes in . However, the extent of intraspecific diversity influenced by recent adaptive evolutionary forces remains unclear.

The Genome of the Lima Bean Variety Baiyu Bean Highlights Its Evolutionary Characteristics.

The baiyu bean (), also known as the lima bean, is a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, has a long and distinguished history of cultivation in China and is a highly regarded local variety of lima bean. In the current study, we present the reference genome of the baiyu bean variety, which has a scaffold N50 length of 47.545 Mb.

Quercetin, a natural flavonoid induced by the spider mite Tetranychus urticae or alamethicin, is involved in the defense of lima bean against spider mites.

Background: Phaseolus lunatus, commonly known as the lima bean, is a leguminous crop cultivated in various regions worldwide. It is native to tropical America and is extensively grown in both tropical and temperate climates. Lima beans are highly nutritious and versatile, serving not only as a food and vegetable, but also as a source of green manure.

Potential global distributions of an important aphid pest, Rhopalosiphum padi: insights from ensemble models with multiple variables.

Species distribution modeling is extensively used for predicting potential distributions of invasive species. However, an ensemble modeling approach has been less frequently used particularly pest species. The bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L.

The olfactory recognition between leaf-cutter bee Megachile saussurei and alfalfa floral volatiles mediated by odorant binding protein 4 (MsauOBP4).

Megachile saussurei (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae) is a primary insect pollinator of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in northwestern China. However, the mechanisms underlying the olfactory responses of M.

Evaluation of Skin Color Supervision Genes in Chickpea Seeds by Multiomics.

Seed samples of two types of chickpea (Cicer arietinum Linn.), including variety A (NRCGR-4452) and variety B (local varieties), with different seed colors, were collected every five days for a total of four times during the seed development period. Non-targeted metabolome and transcriptome sequencing were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and metabolites associated with chickpea seed coat color.

Diversity and role of volatile terpene and terpenoid pheromones in insects.

Insect pheromones are critical chemical signals that regulate intraspecific behavior and play a key role in the dynamic monitoring and control of pest populations. Historically, research on insect pheromones has primarily focused on lipid-based compounds. However, terpenes and terpenoids, which are widely occurring classes of bioactive compounds, also play significant roles in insect pheromone blends.

Molecular identification and characterization of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene family in Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the role of TuSOD2 gene under short-term heat stress.

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are key enzymes for scavenging insects' excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and play a crucial role in resisting a variety of stresses. The deletion of SOD genes can alter the response of insects to abiotic stresses. In this study, four genes of the superoxide dismutase family in Tetranychus urticae were identified and analyzed, among which three copper/zinc SODs and a manganese SOD.

Female contact sex pheromone recognition in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is mediated by two male antennae-enriched sensory neuron membrane proteins.

Background: The German cockroach Blattella germanica is a notorious urban health pest that has developed resistance to multiple pesticides. Thus, novel non-lethal pest control agents are urgently needed. Olfaction interference via disruption of sex pheromone recognition-related genes offers a promising approach.

Crucial role of a takeout protein in white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) orientation towards its host rice plants.

The takeout (TO) gene family impacts diverse physiological and behavioral functions in insects, yet specific olfactory-associated roles for the family have yet to be fully elucidated. To provide insights into TO function in rice planthoppers, the genomes of three rice planthoppers (white-backed planthopper, brown planthopper and small brown planthopper) were searched for TO homologs and their degree of conservation assessed via chromosomal localization, exon-intron boundaries, phylogenetic relationships and protein domains/motifs. We performed a tissue-specific expression analysis of the 20 TO genes in the white-backed planthopper (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera) and found that SfTO17 is enriched in adult antennae.

The cuticular protein gene ApCP7 and ApCP62 are essential for reproduction in Acyrthosiphon pisum, affecting ecdysis and survival.

Cuticular proteins, in conjunction with chitin, compose the insect exoskeleton, and play a key role in the growth, development, and molting of insects. However, the specific functions of most cuticular protein genes in the growth, development, and reproductive processes of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) remain unclear. In this study, we have identified six cuticular protein genes in the pea aphid, namely ApCP7, ApCP10, ApCP19, ApCP19.

Antennal Transcriptome Evaluation and Analysis for Odorant-Binding Proteins, Chemosensory Proteins, and Suitable Reference Genes in the Leaf Beetle Pest Weise (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Weise is one of the dominant pests feeding on spp., a pioneer plant used for windbreaking and sand fixation purposes, and poses a threat to local livestock and ecosystems. To clarify the key olfactory genes of and provide a theoretical basis for attractant and repellent development, the optimal reference genes under two different conditions (tissue and sex) were identified, and the bioinformatics and characterization of the tissue expression profiles of two categories of soluble olfactory proteins (OBPs and CSPs) were investigated.

The melanin pigment gene mediates body pigmentation and courtship behaviour in the German cockroach .

Genes involved in melanin production directly impact insect pigmentation and can affect diverse physiology and behaviours. The role these genes have on sex behaviour, however, is unclear. In the present study, the crucial melanin pigment gene was functionally characterised in an urban pest, the German cockroach, .

Nanoparticle-delivered RNAi-based pesticide target screening for the rice pest white-backed planthopper and risk assessment for a natural predator.

Vacuolar-type (H)-ATPase (vATPase) is a conserved multi-subunit eukaryotic enzyme composed of 14 subunits that form a functional complex consisting of an ATP-hydrolytic domain (V1) and a proton-translocation domain (V0). ATP hydrolysis and subsequent H translocation rely heavily on a fully assembled V1/V0 complex. Since vATPase is crucial for insect survival, it is a viable molecular target for pest control.

RNA Interference-Screening of Potentially Lethal Gene Targets in the White-Backed Planthopper via a Spray-Induced and Nanocarrier-Delivered Gene Silencing System.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a widespread post-transcriptional silencing mechanism that targets homologous mRNA sequences for specific degradation. An RNAi-based pest management strategy is target-specific and considered a sustainable biopesticide. However, the specific genes targeted and the efficiency of the delivery methods can vary widely across species.

Comparative genomics reveals evolutionary drivers of the dietary shift in Hemiptera.

Hemiptera insects exhibit a close relationship to plants and demonstrate a diverse range of dietary preferences, encompassing phytophagy as the predominant feeding habit while a minority engages in carnivorous or haematophagous behaviour. To counteract the challenges posed by phytophagous insects, plants have developed an array of toxic compounds, causing significant evolutionary selection pressure on these insects. In this study, we employed a comparative genomics approach to analyse the expansion and contraction of gene families specific to phytophagous insect lineages, along with their adaptive evolutionary traits, utilising representative species from the Hemiptera order.