Fire ant control targeting the Pheromone Biosynthesis Activating Neuropeptide (PBAN) Ligand-Receptor system

The pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) was defined by Raina et al in 1989. Subsequently, PBAN was identified and found to activate sex pheromone production in many Lepidopteran species. In 2012 we identified the PBAN receptor and expanded PBAN activity to fire ants demonstrating that PBAN stimulates biosynthesis of the recruitment pheromone produced by worker fire ants. As part of this research we determined, to our surprise, that the PBAN/pyrokinin gene is expressed in all fire ant life forms. Thus, interference of the PBAN ligand/receptor system may act to control this pest ant. We report results from both fire ant treatment with RNAi to suppress the Ligand, and small peptides specifically isolated to interfere with the functioning of the PBAN receptor (Receptor-i technology).