Synthesis and secretion of volatile short‐chain fatty acids in Triatoma infestans infected with Beauveria bassiana

• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12306
• Publication Date: 2018-06-02T08:19:33Z
• Authors: L. S. Lobo; J. R. Girotti; S. J. Mijailovsky; É. K. K. Fernandes; C. Luz; N. Pedrini
• Keywords: Triatoma infestans; Hypocreales; Entomopathogenic fungus; Bassiana; Green leaf volatiles

Abstract Physically disturbed Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) adults, as well adults of other Chagas' disease vectors, secrete a mix volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with alarm and possible sexual defence functions. The aim the present research was to test whether infection entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) has an effect on VOC secretion in T. expression two genes ( Ti‐brnq Ti‐bckdc ) potentially involved biosynthesis. volatiles released by insects at different time periods after fungal treatment were identified their relative amounts measured. Isobutyric acid most abundant found both healthy fungus‐infected underwent no significant changes through process. propionic acid, however, significantly higher 1–4 days post‐infection (d.p. i.) compared that controls. A slight induction real‐time polymerase chain reaction 4 d.p. i., values reaching up three‐fold those early stages seem affect composition pheromone changing pattern analysed. These results help elucidate impact infections chemical ecology triatomine bugs.