Aphids are major agricultural pests that cause significant yield losses of crops each year. (E)-β-farnesene (EβF), as the main component of the aphid alarm pheromones, can interrupt aphid feeding and cause other conspecies in the vicinity to become agitated or disperse from their host plant. Furthermore, EβF can function as a kairomone in attracting aphid predators. EβF synthase genes, which encode enzymes that convert farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to the acyclic sesquiterpene EβF, have been isolated and characterized from peppermint (Mentha × piperita and Mentha asiatica), Yuzu (Citrus junos), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita), respectively. Transgenic plant overexpressing EβF synthase genes has been one of the most efficient strategies for aphid management. In this review, the current statuses of transgenic plants engineered for aphid resistance were summarized. The plant-derived EβF synthase genes with their potential roles in aphid management via genetic-modified (GM) approaches were reviewed. The existing problem in GM plants with EβF synthase gene, such as low EβF emission was usually detected in the transgenic plant, was discussed and the development direction in this area was proposed.
蚜虫是重要的农业害虫，每年造成数以亿计的经济损失。[反]-β-法尼烯 [(E)-β-farnesene，EβF] 是绝大多数蚜虫报警信息素的主要成分，可使蚜虫产生骚动、从植株上脱落，并吸引蚜虫天敌，有效控制蚜虫危害。EβF合成酶是催化合成EβF 的关键酶，目前该基因已从薄荷、香橙、花旗松、黄花蒿、洋甘菊等植物中得到分离鉴定。植物中表达EβF 合成酶基因以催化法呢基焦磷酸 (Farnesyl diphosphate，FPP) 合成EβF 是控制蚜虫危害的重要策略。文中概括了当前植物抗蚜转基因研究现状，综述了植物EβF 合成酶基因及其在植物抗蚜分子育种中的应用。针对当前转基因植物的EβF 生成量较低等问题，展望了EβF 合成酶基因在植物抗蚜分子育种中的应用前景和研究策略。.
Keywords: (E)-β-farnesene; EβF synthase gene; aphid; aphid alarm pheromone; molecular plant breeding.