Data underlying the publication "Loss of olfaction reduces caterpillar performance and increases susceptibility to a natural enemy"

This project aims to evaluate the significance of olfaction in a butterfly species Pieris brassicae. By knocking out the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco), the larval brain structure and adult oviposition changes confirmed the successful knockout. The changes in knockout caterpillars in optimal host-plant seeking, performance under the attack of natural enemies and behavioral preference to plant volatiles suggested the critical importance of olfaction in caterpillars in the tri-trophic interactions.

本研究旨在评估嗅觉在大菜粉蝶（Pieris brassicae）中的重要性。通过敲除气味受体共受体（odorant receptor co-receptor, Orco），借助幼虫脑结构与成虫产卵行为的变化证实了基因敲除成功。敲除幼虫在最优寄主植物搜寻、天敌攻击下的行为表现，以及对植物挥发物的行为偏好等方面的改变，揭示了嗅觉在幼虫参与的三营养级互作过程中的关键作用。