Identification and functional analysis of odorant-binding proteins provide new control strategies for Apolygus lucorum

The green bug Apolygus lucorum is a notorious pest that feeds on multiple crops, including fruit trees, vegetables, and cotton. The odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are considered to perform crucial roles in regulating A. lucorum behaviors such as mating and feeding. In this study, we first identified OBPs in the A. lucorum genome. Then, we calculated the expression levels of these OBP genes in different tissues and stages. Thereafter, we conducted ligand-binding assay to test the interactions between nine selected AlucOBPs and multiple chemical compounds. The result showed that there were 31 OBP genes encoding 39 transcripts in the A. lucorum genome, and several OBP clusters were found. Comprehensive expression profiling revealed the tissue-specific expression of some OBP genes. The results of fluorescence competitive binding assays showed that these nine AlucOBPs could specifically bind to plant volatiles, nonvolatile compounds, and synthetic analogs thereof. Additionally, Alu-cOBP19 was suggested to function in gustatory sensing to avoid deleterious plant secondary metabolites, as AlucOBP19 showed high expression in the mouthparts and legs and could interact with quercetin. Our findings highlight the potential biotechnological application of plant volatiles and their synthetic analogs as ecological attractants and provide new gene targets for control of A. lucorum.

Automated summary

In this study, OBPs in the genome of the green bug Apolygus lucorum were identified and their expression levels in different tissues and stages were analyzed. A total of 31 OBP genes encoding 39 transcripts were found, with several OBP clusters. Comprehensive expression profiling revealed tissue-specific expression of some OBP genes. Ligand-binding assays showed that selected AlucOBPs could specifically bind to plant volatiles, nonvolatile compounds, and synthetic analogs. Additionally, Alu-cOBP19 was suggested to function in gustatory sensing to avoid deleterious plant secondary metabolites. These findings highlight the biotechnological application of plant volatiles and their analogs as ecological attractants and provide new gene targets for A. lucorum control.