Key amino acids in odorant-binding protein OBP7 enable Bradysia odoriphaga to recognize host plant volatiles.

Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a devastating underground pest that can cause serious economic losses. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are crucial components of the insect olfactory system, playing key roles in locating host plants, oviposition sites, and mates. Therefore, they are considered potential targets for pest control.