Physiology of the antennae and the isolation and identification of pheromones leading to new IFA control technology

of Work to be Done: Within the next few months, we will complete the sequencing of two of the proteins found in the poison sac of queens, objective 1. We have targeted these proteins because they increase in amount at about the same time after dealation that the killing of sexual larvae and pupae by workers can be stimulated by poison sac extracts. After sequencing, we will clone the relevant genes, insert them in a microbial vector and express the proteins. We anticipate that this procedure will generate sufficient quantities of the proteins for bioassays to test their roles in the killing of sexual larvae. Objective 2 concerns the isolation of sex pheromones. We have discovered some mating queen specific volatiles. We have collected material and are in the process of identification and determining their role as sex pheromones. The objective (3a) for this part of the project is to isolate and sequence the major male pheromone-binding protein, and then use this protein to obtain its pheromone ligand. Subsequently, the same methods will be used for worker and queen pheromone-binding proteins. The objective (3b) for this part of the project is to characterize odorant receptors. We have made progress and are working on the isolation of these receptors.