昆虫信息素研究进展

信息素是昆虫信息交流和信号传递的“化学语言”,能调节和控制昆虫的行为和生理变化。从本质上来讲,昆虫信息素就是有机化合物,不同昆虫的信息素在结构和成分配比等方面存在差异。昆虫信息素种类众多,根据作用机制可分为释放信息素和启动信息素;根据发挥的功能可分为性信息素、聚集信息素、报警信息素和标记信息素等。它们通过接收者的化学感受系统被识别和接收,过程十分复杂。目前,昆虫信息素在害虫防治、生物监控和保护以及促进昆虫授粉等多个领域被广泛应用。为后续进一步研究和利用昆虫信息素,该文从昆虫信息素结构差异和演化过程、分类和功能、传播和感知方式以及在生产实践中的应用等方面进行总结和综述,并对昆虫信息素的研究进行展望。     

Combined use of a synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait provides effective control of an invasive ant

BACKGROUND: Except for sex pheromones, use of pheromones in pest management has been largely unexplored. A high concentration of trail pheromone disrupts ant trail following and foraging, and thus synthetic trail pheromone can be a novel control agent for pest ants. In this study, a year‐long treatment of small areas (100 m² plots of urban house gardens) with synthetic trail pheromone, insecticidal bait or both was conducted to develop a novel control method of the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr). RESULTS: The ant population could be maintained lower than or similar to the initial level only by combined treatment with synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait. Actually, the ant population was nearly always lowest in combination treatment plots. Throughout the study period, the ant population in plots treated with either one of synthetic trail pheromone or insecticidal bait remained similar to no‐treatment plots. CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment may be a more effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling invasive ants than conventional methods. Extermination of ants by insecticidal bait and inhibition of re‐infestation by pheromone may be the mechanism of the combination effect. This is the first study to show a significant effect of synthetic trail pheromone on ant population. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Experience with pheromone trapping and disruption of moths

Maxima in the population of the summerfruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana, have been detected in orchards in the Netherlands using traps containing its pheromones. Attempts to disrupt the pheromone communication of A. orana in orchards using geometrical isomers of the pheromone have given variable results. Factors, in particular temperature, affecting pheromone communication in A. orana are discussed.     

Studies on the development of a mating disruption system to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

BACKGROUND: The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta Povolny) has rapidly colonised the whole Mediterranean and South‐Atlantic coasts of Spain, and it has become a key problem in both outdoor and greenhouse crops. New control methods compatible with biological control are required, and mating disruption appears to be a perfect method in current agriculture, as it is an environmentally friendly and residue‐free technique. IPM packages tested have included the use of pheromones to detect populations, but there has not been much previous research on mating disruption of T. absoluta. In this work, pheromone doses varying from 10 to 40 g ha^?1, emitted at a constant rate over 4 months, were tested in greenhouses with different levels of containment in order to evaluate the efficacy of mating disruption on T. absoluta. RESULTS: Trials on containment level revealed that the flight of T. absoluta was satisfactorily disrupted with an initial pheromone dose of 30 g ha^?1, and levels of damage did not significantly differ from those in reference plots with insecticide treatments. Later efficacy trials confirmed previous experiences, and release studies showed that control of damage and flight disruption were taking place when releasing at least 85 mg pheromone per ha per day. CONCLUSION: Effective control using pheromone application against T. absoluta can be achieved, in greenhouses with high containment levels, for 4 months, with initial doses of 30 g ha^?1. Further research must be conducted in order to evaluate the prospect of outdoor application of mating disruption systems. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

蓟马信息素研究及应用进展

蓟马是农作物和园艺作物上常见的重要害虫,其通过直接取食和间接传播病毒给作物造成了巨大的经济损失。应用蓟马信息素是蓟马害虫绿色防控的重要措施。本文综述了蓟马产生的信息化学物质的研究进展,概述了已报道的蓟马肛门分泌物的化学组分及其功能,介绍了已鉴定的蓟马报警信息素、聚集信息素、接触信息素和抑性欲信息素的主要成分、分泌部位、作用功能和合成方法,讨论了信息素在蓟马害虫防控中的应用潜能,并展望了目前蓟马信息素研究中存在的问题和未来的发展方向,以期为蓟马害虫信息素的合理应用提供指导。     

Formulation of vegetable fat pellets with pheromone and Beauveria bassiana to control the larger grain borer,Prostephanus truncatus (Horn)

The use of hydrogenated rapeseed oil as a carrier for conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals) Vuill was investigated as part of a research programme on the control of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn). Melting the oil, which is solid at temperatures below 32 °C, allows the incorporation of materials such as aggregation pheromones and conidia; sudden cooling produces solid fat pellets. In attraction tests conducted with pellets containing P truncatus aggregation pheromone, significantly higher numbers of beetles were attracted to pellets containing pheromone at a concentration of 4 ml litre⁻¹ compared to control pellets for at least four weeks when held in Petri dishes in the laboratory and for at least six weeks when pellets held in insect traps were exposed to outside conditions. The attraction was retained over a period of storage in glass bottles; pellets stored in the freezer or incubator (at −10 °C or 27 °C) attracted beetles according to the pheromone level for the duration of the work (14 and 13 months respectively). When pheromones and conidia were incorporated into the same pellets they could be stored in a freezer or refrigerator retaining over 80% viability after 51 weeks; those stored in an incubator at 27 °C showed significantly lower germination at 20.7–27.2% after the same time. There was an indication that the pheromone caused a slight reduction in the viability of conidia, although this may have been just a slight delay in the speed of germination. Rapid dose transfer from pellets with conidia with and without the addition of pheromone was demonstrated. Insects were exposed to pellets for 24 hours and 96–100% mortality was observed in treatments containing conidia within six days of exposure. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pheromone Research and Development in Israel 1975–2015

The review describes the history of pheromone research in Israel in 1975–2015. The research focused on sex pheromones of moths that were important agricultural pests. Identification, synthesis and field application of sex pheromones was performed. Synthetic procedures of several known sex pheromones were developed. Monitoring and control of key pest moths was evaluated. The interactions of pheromone components of closely related species were studied in field and laboratory experiments. The sex pheromones of three scale insects, two mealybug species and Matsucoccus josephi were studied. New syntheses were developed and the pheromones were implemented in pest management. Structure activity relationship of the pheromonal and kairomonal of the M. josephi pheromone was investigated. Different pherotypes of P. ficus were identified and evaluated. The aggregation pheromone of sap beetles in combination with food baits was evaluated. The aggregation pheromone of the almond bark beetle was identified and a stereospecific synthesis of its enantiomers was developed. Monitoring the pest in stone fruit orchards was implemented. The activity of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) was studied in Helicoverpa armigera and Heliothis peltigera. The ligation technique was used to assess the effect of PBAN on the production of female and male pheromones. A structure-activity relationship study of PBAN indicated that shorter peptides display activity as the full length PBAN. A series of linear and cyclic peptide analogs was prepared, resulting in the discovery of a lead antagonist. The research and development activity facilitated the intensive integration of pheromones in the pest management regimes in Israeli agriculture.     

Sex pheromones for the control of lepidopterous pests using microencapsulation and dispenser techniques

Sex pheromones may be used for the control of insect pests by causing communication disruption for long enough to decrease mating and therefore diminish subsequent larval infestations. Such an approach presents the problem of maintaining the pheromone concentration at a high enough level in the field for weeks or even months. To overcome this difficulty two systems are at present generally employed; the establishment of a relatively small number of large pheromone sources in suitable dispensers at fixed points in the treatment areas, or using a very large number of small sources by microencapsulating the pheromone which can then be applied directly to the crop by conventional methods. Recent field experiments carried out using both these methods are described, and problems and future prospects discussed.     

红火蚁信息素及其在化学防治中的应用研究进展

文章介绍了红火蚁的危害特征,分析了目前国内外红火蚁防治的主要方法,对利用化学信息素类物质防治红火蚁的研究方法及进展进行了综述;通过借鉴化学信息素在其他害虫防治中的应用,重点分析了化学信息素在红火蚁防治中的必要性和可能性,对红火蚁相关信息素的特点和化学结构进行了详细描述,并介绍了相关化学信息素的合成方法,揭示了信息素类物质在红火蚁综合防治中的重要性及优越性。     

杀虫剂对蛾类昆虫生殖行为影响的研究进展

综述了近年来国内外关于杀虫剂对蛾类昆虫求偶、性信息素合成及释放、定向行为、交配和产卵等生殖行为影响的研究进展。经杀虫剂处理后,许多雌蛾的求偶行为受到抑制、性信息素含量降低,雄蛾对性信息素的反应和交配成功率下降,但药剂对产卵量和卵孵化率没有明显影响。而部分药剂可增强雄蛾对性信息素的反应,刺激雌蛾信息素含量异常增高和使活性组的比例发生漂移。     

Inhibition of pheromone response in Sesamia nonagrioides by the pheromone of the sympatric corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübn.) are two corn borers present in the Mediterranean area that share a similar feeding habitat. The female sex pheromones of the two species consist of (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol, (Z)-11-hexadecenal and dodecyl acetate (77:8:10:5 w/w) and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (97:3 w/w) respectively. Although the pheromones share no common components, previous work had shown the inhibition of the response by O. nubilalis males to their own pheromone owing to the presence of S. nonagrioides pheromone. In this study, the pheromone of O. nubilalis and its two components separately were shown to inhibit the attraction of S. nonagrioides males to the synthetic female pheromone in both laboratory wind-tunnel bioassay and field trapping studies. In the wind tunnel, the number of contacts of S. nonagrioides males with the source were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by the single pheromone components of O. nubilalis. In the field, the addition of 1% of O. nubilalis pheromone significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the catches of S. nonagrioides males. The components of both pheromones also elicited electroantennographic responses from antennae of male S. nonagrioides moths. The ecological consequences and the possibilities of applying this cross-inhibition for mating disruption techniques are discussed.     

Some fluorine-containing pheromone analogues

Two analogues of the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene, a trifluorofarnesene and a difluoro-1-norfarnesene, were found to be highly active and were more readily detectable than the parent compound. For (Z)-hexadec-11-enal, a component of some lepidopteran sex attractant pheromones, replacement of the carbonyl oxygen with a difluoromethyl group to give a difluoroheptadecadiene resulted in loss of activity. A trifluoroacetoxyhexadecanolide was a more volatile analogue of the mosquito oviposition pheromone (?)-(5R,6S)-6-acetoxy-5-hexadecanolide and was highly active.     

Semiochemicals to enhance herbivory by Diorhabda carinulata aggregations in saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) infestations

BACKGROUND

Semiochemicals for monitoring, attracting or repelling pest and beneficial organisms are increasingly deployed in agricultural and forest systems for pest management. However, the use of aggregation pheromones and host‐plant attractants for the express purpose of increasing the efficacy of classical biological control agents of weeds has not been widely reported. Therefore, we conducted field‐based assays to determine if a specialized wax‐based matrix impregnated with an aggregation pheromone of the northern tamarisk beetle Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers) or host‐plant volatiles could increase the efficacy of D. carinulata.

RESULTS

The aggregation pheromone and host‐plant volatiles were formulated for field application using a wax‐based matrix. Reported release rates suggest that this matrix is a viable formulation for enhancing D. carinulata aggregations under field conditions. Pheromone‐treated saltcedar plants (Tamarix spp.) not only had higher densities of adult and larval D. carinulata, but also sustained greater levels of foliar damage than control plants. Increased damage from the focused feeding of D. carinulata caused an increase in foliar dieback and decrease in live canopy volume of semiochemical‐treated plants.

CONCLUSION

Field deployment of these semiochemical formulations could be useful in directing populations of D. carinulata for increased impact on Tamarix spp. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Controlled release of pheromones

Insect pheromones, in particular sex pheromones, are becoming increasingly important in pest management. As they are both expensive to synthesise and biologically very active, efficient means of controlled release are essential if they are to be used effectively and economically in the field. Pheromone-baited traps can be used for monitoring insect pest populations and for this purpose a long-lasting attractant source with release rate closely simulating that of the insect is required. A second approach involves permeation of the atmosphere with attractant or inhibitory components of sex pheromones in order to disrupt communication between the sexes and thus reduce mating and diminish subsequent larval infestations. For this method to be effective is necessary to maintain the pheromone concentration in treatment areas at a suitably high level for several weeks. The two approaches have led to the development of different kinds of dispensing systems. To provide an attractant source in traps, pheromones have been incorporated into solid polymers, notably polythene and rubber, whilst for communication disruption, microencapsulation and ‘hollow fibre’ techniques have been developed. Recent advances are reviewed and future prospects discussed.     

Synthesis of allylic trifluoromethyl ketones and their activity as inhibitors of the sex pheromone of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

BACKGROUND: Trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs), structurally related to the pheromones, are good inhibitors of pheromone communication in insects. To determine their activity on Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), a polyphagous pest, the authors have prepared two diunsaturated TFMK analogues of the major (3) and the minor (4) pheromone components, and two monounsaturated ones (5, 6). Their biological activity in electroantennogram (EAG), wind tunnel and field tests is presented. RESULTS: The synthetic strategy to obtain the allylic TFMKs 3 and 5 is based on the reactions of diene 10 and 1‐octadecene with trifluoroacetaldehyde ethyl hemiacetal, followed by Dess–Martin oxidation of the resulting homoallylic trifluoromethyl alcohols. In EAG, topical application of analogues 3 and 4 on male antennae significantly reduced the pheromone response. In the wind tunnel, compound 4 reduced the number of contacts with the pheromone source. In the field, traps baited with mixtures of pheromone and inhibitors captured significantly fewer males than the pheromone alone. CONCLUSION: An efficient synthesis of allylic TFMKs is reported, with good overall yield, regiospecificity and diastereoselectivity. These compounds are good inhibitors of the pheromone in electrophysiology, wind tunnel and field tests. The results show the importance of two unsaturations at positions 2 and 13 of the trifluoroacyl group in the structure of the analogues, the latter being critical for inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pest management programmes in vineyards using male mating disruption

Israeli vine growers have been reluctant to adopt the mating disruption technique for control of the European vine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. Since the chemically controlled honeydew moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella Mill., coexists with the European vine moth, growers have maintained that the use of mating disruption would fail to bring about a significant reduction in pesticide use. In this study, the efficacy of mating disruption techniques against C. gnidiella was tested, as well as the effect of these methods on pesticide use and damage to clusters when the method was employed against both of the pests in wine grapes. Comparisons were made between plots treated with (1) L. botrana mating disruption pheromone, (2) L. botrana and C. gnidiella mating disruption pheromones and (3) control plots. A significant difference in the number of clusters infested with the developmental stages of the moths was seen between pheromone-treated plots and controls, while no such difference was observed between plots treated with one versus two pheromones. A similar pattern was observed in the number of insecticide applications; the greatest number of applications was used in control plots, followed by plots treated with L. botrana mating disruption pheromone and by plots treated with pheromones against both pests, in which no pesticides were applied.     

The Use of Sex Pheromones in the Control of Spodoptera littoralis Boisd.1)

An even network of pheromone traps baited with virgin females of Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. was established in Cyprus. By relating trap catches with meteorology it was shown that no major immigration of S. littoralis to Cyprus from surrounding land-masses had occurred. Direct control of S. littoralis by the synthetic pheromones recently synthesized or the sterile male technique may therefore be possible in such an area of ecological isolation.     

棉铃虫性信息素生物合成研究进展

性信息素是昆虫两性通讯的化学信号, 在物种繁衍中担当着重要的角色。以性信息素为基础的害虫诱杀和交配干扰等防治手段具有灵敏度高、选择性强、对天敌安全、不污染环境等优点, 在害虫综合治理和绿色防控体系应用中深受青睐。棉铃虫 Helicoverpa armigera 是一种世界性农业害虫, 具有适应能力强和寄主广泛的特点, 条件适宜时常大面积暴发成灾。以棉铃虫为代表的醛类性信息素的生物合成和调控过程, 是目前研究较早也较为透彻的一类性信息素。本研究概述了棉铃虫性信息素的组分和功能, 生物合成时的信号转导途径和调控机制, 以及性信息素前体的生成和特异性组分的碳链修饰过程, 并总结了当前研究的不足, 旨在为今后的基础研究和生产应用提供指导。     

The tomato borer Tuta absoluta in South America: pest status,management and insecticide resistance

The tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has been a recognized pest in South America since the 1960s, quickly spreading to the major tomato‐producing countries in the region. A series of studies regarding this pest's biology, ecology and management were conducted to contain tomato losses within acceptable levels. Although cultural control methods were attempted against T. absoluta, as were the development of resistant tomato varieties and the use of pheromones and natural enemies, insecticides are still the main control method used. The sex pheromone of T. absoluta was identified, confirmed and synthesized in the late 1990s and it is currently used for detection and monitoring of this species, but improved sampling plans are still necessary for its use in decision‐making regarding insecticide use. Insecticide use has shifted from earlier reliance on organophosphates, pyrethroids, cartap and abamectin to insect growth regulators and, more recently, to novel insecticides. Unfortunately, the overreliance on insecticide use led to problems with insecticide resistance in the region, which is a current matter of concern not only in South America, but also elsewhere since introduced strains may carry insecticide‐resistance genes at high frequency even without local selection in the site of introduction.     

Pheromone-Related Inhibitors of Ustilago hordei Mating and Tilletia tritici Teliospore Germination

ABSTRACT Ustilago hordei, the causal agent of barley covered smut, produces mating pheromones that break down to smaller peptide compounds that act as potent inhibitors of mating and germination in several fungi. The pheromones are members of the farnesylated family of proteins. Synthetic peptide analogs of the pheromone derivatives, ranging in size from 4 mers to full length pheromones, were farnesylated, methyl esterified, or both and tested for mating or teliospore germination inhibition with U. hordei or Tilletia tritici, respectively. N-Acetyl-S-farnesylcysteine, which inhibits processing of Ras, and other sulfur-containing compounds such as homocysteine or methionine, were likewise modified and tested. The most potent inhibitors were methionine methyl ester and modified 4-mer peptides from both pheromones. Alanine scanning of the inhibitory 4 mers determined that the native amino acid sequence was specific for a high level of activity. The sulfur amino acids appear to be required for inhibition. Glasshouse studies using selected antagonists of mating and teliospore germination as seed treatments inhibited covered smut of barley and common bunt of wheat, although the level of control was inconsistent. The use of pheromone-related antagonists to mating or teliospore germination is a promising, novel strategy for control of smut and bunt diseases.