Olfaction is of great significance for insect mate-seeking and host-locating behaviors. Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), especially those antenna-enriched OBPs, are thought to discriminate, capture and transport odorant molecules to olfactory receptors, but this has not been fully clarified in Bactrocera minax (Enderlein), an economically important pest of citrus crops. Our previous studies showed that seven OBP genes (BminOBP1-7) were identified from B. minax adults via a head transcriptome analysis, of which only BminOBP3 and 6 were highly expressed in antennae, suggesting an olfactory role. To confirm their functions, here, BminOBP3 and 6 were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Binding properties of the recombinant BminOBPs with 13 volatiles, most of which can elicit a significant behavioral response from B. minax adults, were determined by fluorescent competitive binding assays. The results showed that Both BminOBP3 and 6 exhibited a remarkable selectivity towards the 13 ligands tested. BminOBP3 displayed strong binding affinity only with undecanol. BminOBP6 demonstrated strong binding affinity with undecanol and limonene among 13 ligands tested. Undecanol is believed to be main sex pheromone component of B. minax. Limonene is an important volatile compound enriched in citrus fruits. Taken together, we concluded that BminOBP3 and 6 may play a prominent role in the process of B. minax mate-seeking and host-locating behaviors through recognizing and transporting these volatiles. It is conceivable that this study will increase our molecular understanding of B. minax olfaction, facilitating the development of OBP-based behavioral interference that is potentially useful for the integrated management of B. minax.

Graphical Abstract