Transcriptomic analysis of male diamondback moth antennae: response to female pheromones and allyl isothiocyanate

Female pheromones and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) attract moths that use odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) to break down excess odor. Researchers have established the molecular foundation for odorant degradation and signal inactivation in insects by identifying antennae-specific ODEs.This discovery enables further exploration of pest control methods, such as attract-and-kill strategies using pheromones and AITC to monitor and control the diamondback moth, a significant pest to cruciferous vegetables. Limited attention has been paid to the degradation of pheromones and AITC, prompting this study to identify ODEs responsive to these compounds. A comprehensive transcriptome analysis showed a notable shift in ODE gene expression in male adults following exposure to female pheromones and AITC.