A conserved odorant receptor identified from antennal transcriptome of Megoura crassicauda that specifically responds to cis-jasmone

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play a key role in the interactions between plants and herbivorous insects, as HIPVs can promote or deter insects’ behavior. While aphids are common serious phloem-feeding pests farmland ecosystems, little is known about how use their sensitive olfactory system to detect HIPVs. In this study, antennal transcriptomes of aphid species Megoura crassicauda were sequenced, expression level analyses M. odorant receptors (ORs) carried out. To investigate chemoreception mechanisms that uses HIPVs, we performed vitro functional studies ORs using 11 reported be released by aphid-infested plants. total, 54 candidate chemosensory genes identified, among which 20 ORs. McraOR20 McraOR43 selected for further characterization because homologs quite conserved levels antennae relatively high. The results showed specifically detected cis-jasmone, did its ortholog ApisOR20 from pea Acyrthosiphon pisum, while not respond any HIPV chemicals tested. This study characterized ability homologous OR20 two provides target mediating behaviors.