SBIR Phase II: Development of Novel Repellents for the Honeybee, Apis Mellifera

这一小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目为害虫控制从传统杀虫剂转向通过操纵昆虫化学传感蛋白改变昆虫行为的产品提供了科学基础。我们使用合理的设计来分离与关键昆虫化学感觉蛋白结合的化合物，并正在分离那些能够改变昆虫行为的化合物。为了响应柑橘种植者的需求，我们分离出了有可能改变具有农业和经济意义的昆虫--意大利蜜蜂(欧洲蜜蜂)的觅食行为的小分子。我们的最终产品将是能够保护柑橘免受不必要授粉的驱避剂。这些技术也适用于其他害虫种类的防治产品的开发，包括人类疾病的昆虫载体和具有经济、农业或家庭意义的害虫。这项研究的更广泛的影响是避免使用杀虫剂，扩大我们控制昆虫行为的能力。最初的目标昆虫是欧洲蜜蜂(Apis Melvena)，它提供必要的授粉，估计每年为美国农作物增加140亿美元的价值。然而，不受欢迎的蜜蜂授粉严重降低了柑橘作物的价值，导致需要一种对蜜蜂和人类都安全的有效驱蜂剂。目前正在采取类似的方法来控制其他重要的农业和公共卫生有害生物。该项目使用了新的方法，有可能改变昆虫控制产品的设计和使用方式。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project provides the scientific foundation for a paradigm shift in insect pest control away from traditional insecticides to products that alter insect behavior by manipulating insect chemosensory proteins. We used rational design to isolate compounds that bind to critical insect chemosensory proteins, and are isolating those compounds capable of altering insect behavior. In response to citrus grower demand we have isolated small molecules that have the potential to alter the foraging behavior of the agriculturally and economically significant insect, Apis mellifera (European honeybee). Our final products will be repellents capable of protecting citrus from unwanted pollination. The technologies utilized here are applicable to the development of control products for other insect pest species, including insect carriers of human disease and insect pests of economic, agricultural, or domestic significance.The broader impacts of this research are avoiding the use of insecticides and expanding our ability to control insect behavior. The initial insect targeted, the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), provides essential pollination that adds an estimated $14 billion annually in value to US crops. However, unwanted honeybee pollination severely decreases the value of mandarin crops, leading to the need for an effective bee repellent that is safe for bees and humans alike. Similar approaches are currently underway to control other important agricultural and public health pests. This project utilizes novel methods with the potential to transform the way insect control products are designed and utilized.