Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) produced in the suboesophageal ganglion stimulates pheromone biosynthesis in the pheromone gland, mediating sexual behaviors. Based on the transcriptome of the head, PBAN in the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, was identified. To examine the pheromonotropic activity of PBAN in the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, a PBAN (Mvi-PBAN) was synthesized. When female adults were injected with a synthetic Mvi-PBAN, pheromone production showed a maximal increase 2 h post-injection. PBAN was expressed in all examined tissues and developmental stages. In contrast, PBAN receptor (PBANr) was detected in the female tissues and all developmental stages except for adult male. In addition, two types of PBANr were identified from the transcriptome of the pheromone gland, suggesting that the molecular signal on the pheromone gland may transduce via PBANr.

• Wook Hyun Cha(Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kyungsung University)
• Jin Kyo Jung(National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Developmental Administration)
• Dae-Weon Lee(Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kyungsung University)