Influence of photoperiod and age on the competence of pheromone glands and on the distribution of immunoreactive PBAN in Helicoverpa spp.

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Abstract
Pheromone glands (eighth and ninth abdominal segments) of Helicoverpa spp. can be stimulated in vitro by brain‐suboesophageal ganglion (Br‐SOG) extracts and Helicoverpa zea pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (Hez‐PBAN) to produce the sex pheromone. The main pheromone component, (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal, was quantified by both TLC and gas chromatographic analyses. This stimulation was shown to be a specific response attributed to pheromone glands alone. The glands were found to be competent to Br‐SOG extracts/Hez‐PBAN stimulation from the first day after emergence during both the photophase and scotophase. Using a sensitive and specific RIA the distribution of PBAN along the central nervous system was studied and PBAN‐immunoreactivity in Br‐SOG complexes was found throughout the photoperiod and in all ages (from the first day of emergence until the fourth night after emergence). From the distribution of PBAN immunoreactivity it appears that PBAN release is affected by the photoperiod. This integrative study on the competence of the target tissue and the distribution of PBAN activity revealed evidence that the neuroendocrine control of pheromone production operates at the level of neuropeptide production and/release and not at the level of the target tissue itself.

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