La biosynthèse des isoprénoïdes chez les pucerons : une cible potentielle de nouveaux bio-insecticides ?

• Main Authors: Haubruge E., Francis F., Cusson M., Vandermoten S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux 2008-01-01
• Series: Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement
• Subjects: alarm pheromone; aphid; isoprenyl diphosphate synthases; juvenile hormone; sex pheromone
• Online Access: http://www.pressesagro.be/base/text/v12n4/451.pdf
• ISSN: 1370-6233; 1780-4507

Isoprenoid metabolism in aphids: a new target for bio-insecticides development? Currently, the control of aphids is largely dependent on the use of broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. Their adverse effects on the environment, combined with the ability of insects to quickly develop resistance to them, has prompted a search for alternative control products. One of the approaches currently under consideration involves the design of novel bio-rational insecticides targeting and disrupting specific biochemical processes in the insect. As a result of their high specificity, these pest control products generally present little risk to the environment, non-target organisms and human health. In the context of aphid control, isoprenoid metabolism and, more specifically, enzymes of the short-chain isoprenyl diphosphate synthases family constitute promising targets for the development of new control products. Indeed, in aphids, isoprenoid metabolism is associated with the production of mono- and sesquiterpenes, which are compounds playing important roles in the physiology of these insects.