Location: Chemistry Research Unit
Title: Hormones and pheromones in regulation of insect behavior Author
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 3, 2014
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract: Both pheromones and hormones are well recognized regulators of insect biology. However, the interactions between hormones and pheromones in coordinating insect biology are less well understood. We have studied the interactions between juvenile hormone, its precursor methyl farnesoate, and pheromone communication in two diverse groups of insects, Locusts and Tephrtitid fruit flies. Our results show that methyl farnesoate and juvenile hormone play integral rolls in regulation of solitary/gregarious phase transitions including production of the aggregation pheromone of the desert locust. For Thephritid flies, juvenile hormone regulates both sexual maturity and pheromone production. These discoveries are significant because they have, or could, lead to novel methods for improving pest control.