CHEMOSENSORY GENOMICS AND CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF GALLERIA MELLONELLA AND ITS MOLECULAR PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE WAX MOTH MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Molecular studies on odorant receptors (OR), odorant-binding proteins (OBP) and the functioning of the receptor and pheromone signal transduction in wax moth Galleria mellonella have expanded exponentially during the past few decades. The olfactory system of G. mellonella relies on the coordinated action of odorant binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs), sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs), and neuropeptide signaling pathways that mediate the detection and processing of volatile semiochemicals derived from bees, beeswax, brood combs, propolis, pollen, and pheromonal cues. Recent transcriptomic, genomic, and peptidomic investigations have considerably expanded the repertoire of chemosensory genes in G. mellonella, revealing molecular components involved in odor discrimination, pheromone perception, behavioral plasticity, and environmental adaptation. Functional characterization of these gene families has further identified conserved and species-specific molecular pathways that may serve as promising targets for behavioural manipulation and molecular pest control. The integration of chemical ecology with functional genomics, RNA interference (RNAi), genome editing, ligand–receptor interaction studies, and semiochemical-based technologies is creating new opportunities for species-specific and environmentally compatible wax moth management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical ecology and chemosensory genomics of G. mellonella, highlights recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying insect–host interactions, and discusses emerging prospects for developing precision, sustainable, and bee-safe management strategies for protecting apicultural systems.