Author
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Raina, Ashok |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2003 Publication Date: 2/15/2004 Citation: Raina, A.K. 2004. Regulation of sex pheromone production in moths. Encyclopedia of Entomology 2:909-911. Interpretive Summary: This is a brief review of factors that regulate sex pheromone production in moths. Most species of moths use sex pheromones to mediate mate finding. Among the nocturnal species such as the corn earworm, pheromone production is confined to night. This periodicity of pheromone production is regulated by a peptide hormone produced in the head region and released into the blood to induce pheromone production. In other moth species the hormone ma be transported via the nervous system or its action may be mediated through other hormones. Mating causes temporary or permanent termination of pheromone production. Termination is achieved through the action of another peptide, produced by the male and transferred to the female during mating, in combination with neural activation and or presence of sperm. Volatile factors from a host plant may also play a role in regulating pheromone production to ensure the availability of food for the progeny. This brief writeup to be published in "Encyclopedia of Entomology" would be a source of information for students of entomology and general public interested to know about insects. Technical Abstract: Most species of moths use sex pheromones to mediate mate finding. Among the nocturnal species such as the corn earworm, pheromone production is confined to scotophase. The diurnal periodicity of pheromone production is regulated by a peptide hormone the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). In the corn earworm, PBAN is produced in the subesophageal ganglion and released into the hemolymph to induce pheromone production. In other moth species it may be transported via the ventral nerve cord or its action may be mediated through other hormones. Mating causes temporary or permanent termination of pheromone production. Pheromonostasis is achieved through the action of another peptide combined with neural activation and or presence of sperm. Volatile factors from a host plant may also play a role in regulating pheromone production. |
