Abstract: Female sex-pheromonal synthesis and male sex-pheromonal reception are two aspects of the sex-pheromonal communication system of Heliothis/Helicoverpa species. Coordinated biological activity at the molecular, cellular, and system levels are involved in the system. The interaction between PBAN and its receptor triggers signal transduction and activates sex-pheromone synthesizing enzymes resulting in the synthesis of sex pheromone. Some sex-pheromone components that attract male moths had been identified by chemical and bioassays. The interaction between the pheromone PBP complex and its receptor triggers signal transduction and induces nervous impulses which finally result in a sequence of sexual behaviors. Many different internal and external factors affect these processes.

Key words: Heliothis, Helicoverpa, sex pheromone, pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide, binding proteins, macroglumerular complex