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Rae R, Sheehy L, McDonald-Howard K. Thirty years of slug control using the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita and beyond. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:3408-3424. [PMID: 37394691 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Several slug species are highly pestiferous and threaten global sustainable agriculture. Current control methods rely heavily on metaldehyde pellets, which are often ineffective, harm nontarget organisms and have been banned in some countries. A viable alternative is the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (and recently P. californica), which has been formulated into a biological control agent (Nemaslug®) to control slugs across northern Europe. Nematodes are mixed with water and applied to soil where they seek out slugs, penetrate behind the mantle and kill them in 4-21 days. Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita has been on the market since 1994 and since then there has been ample research on its use. Here we review the research carried out on P. hermaphrodita over the last 30 years since its development and release as a commercial product. We provide information on life cycle, worldwide distribution, history of commercialisation, gastropod immunity, host range, ecological and environmental factors that affect its success in the field, bacterial relationships, and summarise results of field trials. Finally, we suggest future directions for P. hermaphrodita research (and other Phasmarhabditis species) to enhance its use as a biological control agent to control slugs for the next 30 years. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbie Rae
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Sheehy
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kerry McDonald-Howard
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Rao S, Tian Y, Zhang C, Qin Y, Liu M, Niu S, Li Y, Chen J. The JASMONATE ZIM-domain-OPEN STOMATA1 cascade integrates jasmonic acid and abscisic acid signaling to regulate drought tolerance by mediating stomatal closure in poplar. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:443-457. [PMID: 36260345 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Drought, which directly affects the yield of crops and trees, is a natural stress with a profound impact on the economy. Improving water use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance are relatively effective strategies to alleviate drought stress. OPEN STOMATA1 (OST1), at the core of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, can improve WUE by regulating stomatal closure and photosynthesis. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ABA crosstalk is considered to be involved in the response to drought stress, but the detailed molecular mechanism is insufficiently known. Here, Populus euphratica, which naturally grows in arid and semiarid regions, was selected as the species for studying MeJA and ABA crosstalk under drought. A yeast two-hybrid assay was performed using PeOST1 as bait and a nucleus-localized factor, JASMONATE ZIM-domain protein 2 (PeJAZ2), was found to participate in MeJA signaling by interacting with PeOST1. Overexpression of PeJAZ2 in poplar notably increased water deficit tolerance and WUE in both severe and mild drought stress by regulating ABA signaling rather than ABA synthesis. Furthermore, a PeJAZ2 overexpression line was shown to have greater ABA-induced stomatal closure and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. Collectively, this evidence establishes a mechanism in which PeJAZ2 acts as a positive regulator in response to drought stress via ABA-induced stomatal closure caused by H2O2 production. Our study presents a new insight into the crosstalk of ABA and jasmonic acid signaling in regulating WUE and drought stress, providing a basis of the drought tolerance mechanism of P. euphratica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupei Rao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuru Tian
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingzhi Qin
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Public Analyses and Test Center of Laboratory Equipment Division, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shihui Niu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jinhuan Chen
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological restoration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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Liegertová M, Semerádtová A, Kocholatá M, Průšová M, Němcová L, Štofik M, Kříženecká S, Malý J, Janoušková O. Mucus-derived exosome-like vesicles from the Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris): taking advantage of invasive pest species in biotechnology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21768. [PMID: 36526668 PMCID: PMC9870906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The slug Arion vulgaris has attracted major attention as one of the worst invasive herbivore pests in Europe and is renowned for the stiff mucus it secretes for locomotion. In this study we focused on the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes and exosome-like vesicles, from Arion secretions. We developed a method for slug mucus collection and subsequent vesicle isolation by ultracentrifugation. The isolated vesicles with an average diameter of ~ 100 nm carry abundant proteins and short RNAs, as well as adhesion molecules similar to mammalian galectins. We demonstrated that the slug extracellular vesicles are internalised by plant cells and human cancer cells in in vitro assays and are loadable by bioactive compounds, which makes them an interesting tool for utilisation in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Liegertová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic ,grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Semerádtová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kocholatá
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Průšová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Němcová
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Sylvie Kříženecká
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Janoušková
- grid.424917.d0000 0001 1379 0994Centre of Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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Reducing the Application Rate of Molluscicide Pellets for the Invasive Spanish Slug, Arion vulgaris. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030301. [PMID: 35323599 PMCID: PMC8955816 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Arion vulgaris has become a major invasive pest slug in Europe, causing extensive damage to many crops. To control this pest, the use of chemical molluscicides remains the most important. However, despite the proved efficacy, they still have detrimental environmental effects. We performed two double-replicated laboratory studies testing molluscicide pellets with metaldehyde (3% and 5%) and iron phosphate (1%) and found the reluctance of slugs to eat a full lethal dose regardless of whether the poison is stronger or weaker. As a consequence, slugs remain alive and only reduce their herbivory by half; the remaining granules or their parts are the main source of toxic effects of molluscicides in the environment. Moreover, a higher metaldehyde content of the pellets does not lead to lower herbivory. The results showed that a new application of molluscicides could be useful; the application rate should be decreased according to the ability of slugs to eat a certain amount of molluscicide pellets. Abstract Arion vulgaris are mostly controlled using chemical molluscicide products, and the detrimental environmental effects of these molluscicides can be reduced by decreasing the number of pellets applied per unit area. The objective of this study was to compare three slug control methods during two double-replicated seven-day laboratory experiments, in which slugs could choose the number of pellets with metaldehyde (3% or 5%) or iron phosphate (1%) and different types of food: leafy plants (lettuce), root vegetables (carrot), a cereal-based diet (oatmeal), or an animal-based diet (dry cat food). Slugs were irrigated and allowed to recover. We found a reluctance of slugs to eat big amounts of pellets and, therefore, to reach a full lethal dose, which resulted in low mortality (the rate was only 2.1%), regardless of whether the poison was stronger or weaker. Herbivory of slugs was in some cases reduced by half, but no treatments resulted in slugs to stop eating. Pellets with 3% metaldehyde were significantly more acceptable than pellets with 5% metaldehyde (uneaten pellets were left). The results showed that the new application of molluscicides could be useful; the application rate should be decreased according to the slugs number and ability of slugs to eat a certain amount of molluscicide pellets.
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Dörler D, Dorn V, Widhalm T, Horacek M, Heigl F, Euteneuer P, Leisch F, Frank T, Zaller JG. Experimental indications of gardeners' anecdotes that snails interfere with invasive slugs. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11309. [PMID: 34026350 PMCID: PMC8121057 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is an important pest species in agriculture and horticulture in Europe. In the last decades it has spread across the continent where it outcompetes native slug and snail species, thus posing a threat for biodiversity. A popular anecdote suggests to promote Roman snails (Helix pomatia) in gardens because they are able to control A. vulgaris. We examined a potential interrelationship between these two species using a mesocosm experiment with lettuce plants. 13C-15N stable isotope labelling of lettuce allowed us to investigate interactions between Helix and Arion on weight gain/loss and herbivory. Additionally, we wanted to know whether different watering regimes (daily vs. every 3rd day watering of weekly amount) and earthworms alter these interactions. Egg predation of Helix on Arion eggs was further tested in a food-choice experiment. Arion showed a five times higher herbivory per body mass than Helix in a single-species setting. However, in mesocosms containing both species percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than in Arion-only mesocosms, especially when watered every three days. Overall isotope uptake via eaten lettuce was unaffected by the presence of the other species. Only very little predation (three out of 200 eggs) of Helix on Arion eggs was observed. Our results provide no evidence for a clear dismissal or confirmation of the popular gardener’s anecdote that Helix snails have a negative effect on Arion abundance or herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dörler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Dorn
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Widhalm
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Micha Horacek
- Höhere Bundeslehr- und Forschungsanstalt Francisco Josephinum, BLT Wieselburg, Wieselburg, Austria
| | - Florian Heigl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Euteneuer
- Experimental Farm Gross-Enzersdorf, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gross-Enzersdorf, Austria
| | - Friedrich Leisch
- Institute of Statistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Frank
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G Zaller
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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