Crop protection: A new method for understanding insect sexual communication
A team of INRAE scientists, in collaboration with Université Côte d'Azur and Nanjing Agricultural University in China, has used an innovative AI-based method to identify the sex pheromone of the lily moth1 and the olfactory receptors associated with it. The insect pest, whose caterpillars feed on these plants, is found in Asia and Oceania. This approach to identifying previously unknown molecules…
Scientists from INRAE, alongside researchers from Université Côte d'Azur and Nanjing Agricultural University, have employed an AI-driven technique to uncover the sex pheromone of the lily moth and the olfactory receptors involved. This innovative method, which works backwards by starting with the insect's olfactory receptors, could revolutionize the identification of pheromones in other species, potentially enhancing biocontrol strategies for crop protection.
The lily moth, an invasive species found in Asia and Oceania, feeds on crops in these regions. By focusing on the receptors and utilizing AI to predict interactions with volatile molecules, the researchers identified (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate as the sex pheromone. This discovery, validated through electrophysiological, analytical, and behavioral tests, opens up avenues for controlling this pest, particularly in strict pest-control regulations areas like gardens and botanical gardens.
The study's significance lies in its proof of concept for a receptor-pheromone approach, which could accelerate the identification of pheromones in various insect pests, aiding in their management.
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