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Bee-safe peptidomimetic acaricides achieved by comparative genomics.
Vikas Jindal1,2, Daqi Li1,3, Leslie C Rault4
1Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS66506, USA.
Scientific Reports
|October 14, 2022
Summary
New acaricides targeting the Varroa mite
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Genomics
- Pest Management
Background:
- Varroa mites cause significant honey bee colony losses globally.
- Existing acaricides face resistance and lack selectivity, harming beneficial insects.
- A need exists for safe and effective Varroa mite control methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, honey bee-safe acaricides targeting the Varroa mite.
- To identify and exploit a Varroa mite-specific physiological target.
- To utilize comparative genomics for rapid acaricide development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics to identify Varroa mite-specific targets.
- Proctolin neuropeptidergic system as a target.
- Synthesis and testing of 33 peptidomimetic and peptide variants.
- Ligand docking and mutagenesis studies on the proctolin receptor.
Main Results:
- Identified Tyr2 as a crucial residue for proctolin ligand binding.
- Developed peptidomimetics with significant oral toxicity to Varroa mites.
- Demonstrated no adverse effects of peptidomimetics on honey bees.
- Validated a taxon-specific target for selective acaricide development.
Conclusions:
- Comparative genomics enables the discovery of selective pest targets.
- Proctolin receptor is a viable target for Varroa mite-specific acaricides.
- Developed honey bee-safe peptidomimetics offer a promising new strategy for Varroa mite control.
