Abstract Title
Using Chemicals in Plants to Disrupt Antennal Grooming in Bedbugs
Abstract
Many insects rely on complex olfactory systems to find food, mates, and aggregate. Disruption of olfaction can therefore affect fitness in species like bedbugs (Cimex lectularius). The common bedbug has plagued humans for centuries, causing itching, lesions, sleep deprivation, anemia and severe anxiety as well as creates an economic burden. As such, there is great need to identify novel approaches to deter and repel bedbugs. One approach is to use volatile chemicals that interfere with the olfactory system of bedbugs. Our objective was to test synergistic effects of whole leaves versus extracts of whole leaves to determine if plant chemicals interact with olfactory structures and, potentially compromise the function of bedbugs. Grooming is a common way for bedbugs remove foreign materials, including chemicals, and improve olfactory acuity. We hypothesized that extracts, rather than whole leaves, would have the greatest effect on bedbug antennal grooming due to the volatility of extracts. Alternatively, the complex mixtures of whole plants may have greater and more diverse activity against bedbugs. Discovering chemicals from natural sources that hinder bedbug host-seeking patterns could be used in future development of deterrents or repellents.
Using Chemicals in Plants to Disrupt Antennal Grooming in Bedbugs
Many insects rely on complex olfactory systems to find food, mates, and aggregate. Disruption of olfaction can therefore affect fitness in species like bedbugs (Cimex lectularius). The common bedbug has plagued humans for centuries, causing itching, lesions, sleep deprivation, anemia and severe anxiety as well as creates an economic burden. As such, there is great need to identify novel approaches to deter and repel bedbugs. One approach is to use volatile chemicals that interfere with the olfactory system of bedbugs. Our objective was to test synergistic effects of whole leaves versus extracts of whole leaves to determine if plant chemicals interact with olfactory structures and, potentially compromise the function of bedbugs. Grooming is a common way for bedbugs remove foreign materials, including chemicals, and improve olfactory acuity. We hypothesized that extracts, rather than whole leaves, would have the greatest effect on bedbug antennal grooming due to the volatility of extracts. Alternatively, the complex mixtures of whole plants may have greater and more diverse activity against bedbugs. Discovering chemicals from natural sources that hinder bedbug host-seeking patterns could be used in future development of deterrents or repellents.