A plant virus enhances odorant‐binding protein 5 (OBP5) in the vector whitefly for more actively olfactory orientation to the host plant

Abstract

BACKGROUND The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a notorious agricultural pest and the effective vector of many plant viruses worldwide. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), exclusively transmitted by B. tabaci in a semipersistent manner, is a serious causal agent in cucurbit crops in many countries. Plant viruses can manipulate the behaviors of insect vectors to promote the spread of themselves, but underlying mechanisms are remaining unclear. RESULTS In this study, our observations indicated that B. tabaci, when carrying CCYV, oriented more actively to the host plant cucumber. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription analysis showed that the odorant‐binding protein 5 (OBP5) was upregulated with viral acquisition. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that BtabOBP5 was highly homologous with nine OBPs from other hemipteran insects. In addition, OBP5‐silenced whiteflies significantly altered their orientation behavior towards cucumber plants and towards some typical volatile organic compounds released from cucumbers. CONCLUSION This study described a novel mechanism by which the olfactory system of vector insects could be regulated by a semipersistent plant virus, thereby affecting insect olfactory behavior and relationship with host plants. These results provided a basis for developing potential olfaction‐based pest management strategies in the future. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Virus-Induced Plant Volatiles Promote Virus Acquisition and Transmission by Insect Vectors

“…In this study, we have also shown that the impacts of EBC and 2-heptanol on the olfactory behavior of N. virescens are conversely dependent upon whether the insect is carrying the virus or not. Several recent studies found that the odorant binding protein (OBP) genes or olfactory receptor co-receptor (Orco) gene of insect vectors are the target genes of plant pathogens to mediate the different olfactory behavior of non-infected and infected vectors [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Therefore, we hypothesize that the OBP genes or Orco gene of N. virescens may be the target genes of RDV that influence the olfactory perception of the two VOCs and the behavioral discrimination by N. virescens , and these complex interactions need further investigation.…”

The species and abundance of gut bacteria both positively impact Phortica okadai behavior

“…Olfaction-based behavior manipulation technology is an environmentally friendly control method that specifically regulates the behavior of target pests and has significant application potential [ 6 ]. Attractants developed from plant volatiles and pheromones have been successfully used for many years in pest management, such as plant-derived kairomones for female Agriotes brevis and Agriotes ustulatus control, which can attract both males and females of these species by containing a blend of pheromones and plant volatiles [ 7 ].…”

Variations in the expression of odorant binding and chemosensory proteins in the developmental stages of whitefly Bemisia tabaci Asia II-1

“…Understanding these variations is important because it can provide insights into how insects perceive and respond to their environment at different life stages. The differences in expressions of OBP/CSP genes in the developmental stages of the insects influence their behavioural physiology related to host recognition 14 , mating 15 , oviposition site recognition 16 , insecticide resistance 15 etc. Information regarding the expression of these genes across different stages in B. tabaci has so far been restricted to the MEAM1 and MED genetic groups of the B. tabaci species complex 17 , 18 .…”