The molecular identification, odor binding characterization, and immunolocalization of odorant-binding proteins in Liriomyza trifolii

The Liriomyza trifolii is a highly invasive polyphagia pest. Understanding the physiological functions of odorant binding proteins (OBPs) in the chemical communication of L. trifolii can lead to effective pest management strategies. Seven full-length OBPs were identified by transcriptome screening of L. trifolii adults. Bioinformatics analyses classified the seven OBPs into two subfamilies (six classic OBPs, one minus-C OBP). The analysis of their expression in different development stages revealed that LtriOBP5 was highly expressed in the larval stage, LtriOBP4 in the pupa stage, and LtriOBP1, 2, 3, 6, 7 in the adult stage; the expression levels were higher in male adults than in females. The analysis of different tissues showed high expression of LtriOBP1, 3, 6, 7 in the antennae, which were selected for in vitro purification. To explore the ligand compounds of OBPs, fluorescence competitive binding experiments were performed. Immunofluorescence localization revealed that LtriOBP1, 3, 6, 7 showed strong binding abilities to plant volatiles and were located in the antennae, implying that LtriOBP1, 3, 6, 7 may play key roles in olfaction, such as host location. LtriOBP6 and LtriOBP7 had strong binding abilities to specific herbivore-induced plant volatiles, suggesting LtriOBP6 and LtriOBP7 may also play critical roles in chemoreception. This study provides preliminary exploration of the olfactory perception mechanism of L. trifolii, which can be used as a basis to design insect behavior regulators and develop highly effective insecticides using mixture of ligands and known pesticides.