De novo assembly and characterization of antennal transcriptome reveal chemosensory system in Nysius Mate

Chemosensory system plays important roles in insect behaviors, some key genes governing chemosensation can potentially be used as novel targets for pest control. Nysius ericae (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) is a polyphagous insect pest found throughout Eurasia countries which causes damage to many important crops. Little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms of host location and mate choice in N. ericae at the molecular level. Here, we assembled the antennal transcriptome of N. ericae using Illumina sequencing technology. Analysis of the transcriptome data identified 148 candidate chemosensory genes, including 28 for odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 16 for chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 2 for sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 83 odorant receptors (ORs), 12 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 7 gustatory receptors (GRs). Our results greatly improve the gene inventory for N. ericae and provide valuable resources for analyzing the functions of some key genes. This information will aid in the development of better understanding of chemosensation in N. ericae, and indicate novel targets for managing its impact on agriculture. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Korean Society of Applied Entomology, Taiwan Entomological Society and Malaysian Plant Protection Society.