Genetic mapping of male pheromone response in the European corn borer identifies candidate genes regulating neurogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The sexual pheromone communication system of moths is a model system for studies of the evolution of reproductive isolation. Females emit a blend of volatile components that males detect at a distance. Species differences in female pheromone composition and male response directly reinforce reproductive isolation in nature, because even slight variations in the species-specific pheromone blend are usually rejected by the male. The mechanisms by which a new pheromone signal-response system could evolve are enigmatic, because any deviation from the optimally attractive blend should be selected against. Here we investigate the genetic mechanisms enabling a switch in male response. We used a quantitative trait locus-mapping approach to identify the genetic basis of male response in the two pher

SUBMITTER: Koutroumpa FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5081581 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature