Unveiling sensory mechanisms for the control of two insect pests: from behavior to molecular interactions

Tortricid moths like Lobesia botrana and Cydia pomonella are serious pests for worldwide production of fruit crops, such as grape and apple. While their current control strategies are still mainly based on synthetic pesticides, investigation of insect olfactory mechanisms has a proven track record in supplying new environmentally friendly options for pest control, such as pheromone mating disruption.
In this project, molecular, electrophysiological and behavioural studies allowed the heterologous expression of specific sensory proteins (Olfactory Receptors - ORs and Transient Receptor Potential channels - TRPs) involved in insect olfaction and the identification of their ligands among host and non-host plant volatiles and pheromones (deorphanization).
We advocate that our studies can lead to refinement of existing semiochemical-based control techniques, by enabling a better understanding of mate- and host-finding mechanisms and targeting the somatosensory system of these tortricids.