Methodology for the Analysis of Odorant-Binding Proteins in Asiatic Genetic Groups of Bemisia tabaci.

Insects rely heavily on their olfactory system for crucial behaviours like finding mates, locating food, and avoiding predators. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) bind to odorant molecules, facilitating their transport to olfactory receptors. Understanding OBP diversity and the genomic landscape is vital for elucidating insect olfaction. Bemisia tabaci, a global invasive pest with significant economic impact, has limited OBP diversity studies across its genetic groups. This research investigates OBPs in B. tabaci Asiatic groups, a major invasive genetic group in Asia, to enhance our knowledge of their olfactory mechanisms and inform targeted pest control strategies. A computational pipeline identified OBPs in B. tabaci Asiatic groups using TBLASTN analysis of annotated genomes and whole-genome data. Unique OBP sequences were verified with BLASTX. Bioinformatics tools analysed gene structure, domain prediction, chromosomal localization, scaffold-wise arrangement, and protein structure. Phylogenetic analyses characterised OBPs and explored evolutionary relationships. We identified 9-10 OBPs in B. tabaci Asiatic groups, expanding our knowledge beyond previously studied genetic groups. Comparative analyses with other Hemipteran species showed similarities and differences in OBP diversity. Functional domain analysis highlighted conserved domains associated with odorant binding and membrane interactions. Variations in signal peptide presence suggested differences in protein stability and ligand-binding capabilities. Genomic organisation analysis revealed non-random OBP gene clustering on specific chromosomes, indicating potential co-regulation and functional relationships. The findings enhance understanding of B. tabaci olfaction and provide insights for targeted pest control strategies.