Transcriptome analysis of molecular mechanisms responsible for light-stress response in Mythimna separata (Walker).

Light is an important environmental signal for most insects. The Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata, is a serious pest of cereal crops worldwide, and is highly sensitive to light signals during its developmental and reproductive stages. However, molecular biological studies of its response to light stress are scarce, and related genomic information is not available.

The genetic diversity of SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) and its effect on the fitness, mitochondrial DNA diversity and Buchnera aphidicola dynamic of wheat aphid, Sitobion miscanthi (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) is a recently discovered aphid secondary symbiont. Using evidence extracted from 16S rRNA sequences, previous studies indicate that SMLS is the most widely distributed and most recently transferred secondary symbiont in Chinese Sitobion miscanthi populations. Here, we further investigated genetic diversity among SMLS geographic strains with multiloci data.

Identification of Putative Carboxylesterase and Glutathione S-transferase Genes from the Antennae of the Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

In insects, rapid degradation of odorants in antennae is extremely important for the sensitivity of olfactory receptor neurons. Odorant degradation in insect antennae is mediated by multiple enzymes, especially the carboxylesterases (CXEs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). The Asiatic rice borer, Chilo suppressalis, is an economically important lepidopteran pest which causes great economic damage to cultivated rice crops in many Asian countries.

Construction and analysis of antennal cDNA library from rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and expression profiles of putative odorant-binding protein and chemosensory protein genes.

In this study, we constructed a high-quality cDNA library from the antennae of the Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). A total of 1,235 colonies with inserts greater than 0.7 kb were sequenced and analyzed.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Sitodiplosis mosellana in Northern China.

The wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana, is an important pest in Northern China. We tested the hypothesis that the population structure of this species arises during a range expansion over the past 30 years. This study used microsatellite and mitochondrial loci to conduct population genetic analysis of S.

Flight performance of the orange wheat blossom midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a chronic wheat pest worldwide. Adult S. mosellana engage in short-distance flight, but also exploit weather patterns for long-distance dispersal.

Global transcriptome analysis of orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) to identify candidate transcripts regulating diapause.

Background: Many insects enter a developmental arrest (diapause) that allows them to survive harsh seasonal conditions. Despite the well-established ecological significance of diapause, the molecular basis of this crucial adaptation remains largely unresolved. Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin), the orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM), causes serious damage to wheat throughout the northern hemisphere, and sporadic outbreaks occur in the world.

Sub-lethal effects of four neonicotinoid seed treatments on the demography and feeding behaviour of the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae.

Background: Neonicotinoids are widely used as seed treatments in wheat fields against the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) in China. Due to the degradation of neonicotinoids in wheat plants, wheat aphids are more likely to be exposed to low concentrations of neonicotinoids over long periods.

Identification and characterization of two sensory neuron membrane proteins from Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), which are located on the dendritic membrane of olfactory neurons, were considered as important components involved in pheromone reception in insects. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutants without SNMP are unable to evoke neuronal activities in the presence of pheromone cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA). So deeply understanding the SNMPs functions may help to develop pheromone-mediated insect pest management tactics.

Transcriptome analysis of the Chinese white wax scale Ericerus pela with focus on genes involved in wax biosynthesis.

Background: The Chinese white wax scale, Ericerus pela Chavannes is economically significant for its role in wax production. This insect has been bred in China for over a thousand years. The wax secreted by the male scale insect during the second-instar larval stage has been widespread used in wax candle production, wax printing, engraving, Chinese medicine, and more recently in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.

Cloning and expression analysis of a G-protein α subunit--Gαo in the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel.

The open reading frame (ORF) encoding a novel G protein α subunit, Lo Gα(o), was cloned from the parthenogenetic rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The Lo Gα(o) ORF encodes a protein of 354 amino acid residues. The deduced protein sequence shares high homology with Gα(o) from other species.

Role of Drosophila alkaline ceramidase (Dacer) in Drosophila development and longevity.

Ceramidases catalyze the hydrolysis of ceramides to generate sphingosine (SPH) and fatty acids, and ceramide metabolism is implicated in various biological responses in Drosophila melanogaster. Here we report the cloning, biochemical characterization, and functional analysis of a Drosophila alkaline ceramidase (Dacer). Dacer, a membrane-bound protein of 284 amino acids, shares homology with yeast and mammalian alkaline ceramidases.