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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• alarm pheromone
• aphid
• isoprenyl diphosphate synthases
• juvenile hormone
• sex pheromone