Identification and Functional Characterization of an Odorant Receptor Expressed in the Genitalia of Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract

Olfaction is critical for guiding the physiological activities of insects, with antennae being the primary olfactory organs. However, recent evidence suggests that other tissues may also participate in olfactory recognition. Among these, the genitalia of moths have received attention due to their roles in mating and oviposition. Sensilla and odorant receptors (ORs) in moth genitalia highlight the potential olfactory function of these structures. In this study, we examined the olfactory sensing capacity of the genitalia in Helicoverpa armigera by analyzing their structure in males and females and characterizing the expressed ORs. Scanning electron microscopy uncovered many sensilla distributed throughout the male and female genitalia. Transcriptome sequencing identified 20 ORs in the genitalia, with HarmOR68 exhibiting significant responses to methyl esters: methyl benzoate and salicylate. Our findings provide theoretical evidence that H. armigera genitalia may have significant olfactory perception functions.