NEWS
PINPOINTING PHEROMONE PRODUCTION PATHWAYS IN PESTS
Study shows aphids make key chemicals the same way plants do
- 14
- APR
- 2021
Key chemicals commonly used as aphid sex pheromones and in plant defence may be produced in a similar way by both groups of organisms - a finding which opens the door to better pest control methods.
The route by which plants synthesise these iridoid nepetalactones - produced to deter insects feeding on them - has been well studied in economically important and medicinal plants such as snapdragon, periwinkle, catnip and the European olive.
Now researchers at Rothamsted, along with colleagues at the Universities of Nottingham and Cardiff, have reported how the pea aphid, a major pest of pea and bean crops, and forage crops such as clover and alfalfa, mimics the way that such plants make these compounds before using them as sex pheromones to attract males in the mating season.
These same sex pheromones are also used to hunt down aphids by their natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and lacewings, meaning the findings are highly relevant to biological pest control.
The study lead, Dr Mike Birkett, said the research could lead to man-made nepetalactones being deployed to protect a diverse range of arable and horticultural crops.
"Understanding the way in which aphids make their sex pheromones will help us identify the enzymes involved in their production, and this could lead to making the nepetalactones more efficiently, quickly and at scale using industrial biotechnology.”
Writing in Chemistry, the team describe using a library of isotopically-labelled precursors as ‘molecular probes’ to show which molecules were used by the pea aphid as the basis for sex pheromone production, and which weren’t.
Despite access to alternative starter compounds, they found the biochemical pathway to be the same - using the same precursor molecules in both plants and insects.
Co-author Dr David Withall, said: “Sex pheromones that attract and repel pests and can recruit natural enemies for biocontrol are becoming increasingly important in the management of insect pests on crops.
“Aphids are major crop pests around the globe, and a number of other aphid species that cause major losses in cereal, oilseed rape, vegetable, salad and fruit crops use these same sex pheromones.”
About Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries, from crop treatment to crop protection, from statistical interpretation to soils management. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative influence on fresh thinking and farming practices.
Through independent science and innovation, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally. In terms of the institute’s economic contribution, the cumulative impact of our work in the UK was calculated to exceed £3000 million a year in 20151. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines science and strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Rothamsted is also home to three unique resources. These National Capabilities are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
For more information, visit https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/; Twitter @Rothamsted
1Rothamsted Research and the Value of Excellence: A synthesis of the available evidence, by Séan Rickard (Oct 2015)
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government.
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by government, BBSRC invested £469 million in world-class bioscience in 2016-17. We support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
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About LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.