1
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Lemmen KD, Pennekamp F. Food web context modifies predator foraging and weakens trophic interaction strength. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14475. [PMID: 39060898 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Trophic interaction modifications (TIM) are widespread in natural systems and occur when a third species indirectly alters the strength of a trophic interaction. Past studies have focused on documenting the existence and magnitude of TIMs; however, the underlying processes and long-term consequences remain elusive. To address this gap, we experimentally quantified the density-dependent effect of a third species on a predator's functional response. We conducted short-term experiments with ciliate communities composed of a predator, prey and non-consumable 'modifier' species. In both communities, increasing modifier density weakened the trophic interaction strength, due to a negative effect on the predator's space clearance rate. Simulated long-term dynamics indicate quantitative differences between models that account for TIMs or include only pairwise interactions. Our study demonstrates that TIMs are important to understand and predict community dynamics and highlights the need to move beyond focal species pairs to understand the consequences of species interactions in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D Lemmen
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Pennekamp
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Esparza-Diaz G, Villanueva RT, Badillo-Vargas IE. A Novel Interaction of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a Biological Control Agent of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Potato. INSECTS 2024; 15:261. [PMID: 38667391 PMCID: PMC11050558 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a generalist predator commonly used to control the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Europe. This mirid has been found and established in South Texas, where it was initially observed feeding on nymphs of the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in open tomato fields. B. cockerelli is the vector of the fastidious bacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" that causes diseases in several solanaceous crops, including zebra chip (ZC) disease in potatoes. There is a need to better understand how this predator impacts the control of important crop pests, such as potato psyllids. We assessed the interactions between N. tenuis and B. cockerelli in three different environmental settings. First, we estimated the numeric response of N. tenuis preying on B. cockerelli under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Second, we evaluated the predator-prey interaction under controlled field cage conditions. Then, we exposed N. tenuis under controlled field release conditions to the natural occurrence of B. cockerelli. Finally, we assessed the compatibility between the use of N. tenuis as a biological control agent in a field study and its impact on ZC disease incidence, severity in potato tubers, and potato yield. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments resulted in diverse types of functional model responses, including exponential and linear mathematical models. Our findings revealed a significant predation effect exerted by N. tenuis, resulting in a reduction of more than fourfold in the number of B. cockerelli nymphs per cage. Specifically, the nymphal population decreased from 21 ± 3.2 in the absence of N. tenuis to 5 ± 1.6 when N. tenuis was present. Furthermore, the combination of N. tenuis with a reduced insecticide program increased potato yields, but only reduced ZC tuber incidence in one of two potato cultivars evaluated, and in one season. Findings from these studies indicate that N. tenuis could be effective as a biological control agent for B. cockerelli in potato production in South Texas. This is the first report of N. tenuis preying on immature stages of any psyllid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Esparza-Diaz
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 2415 E. US Highway 83, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA
| | - Raul T. Villanueva
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, University of Kentucky, 348 University Drive, Princeton, KY 42445, USA
| | - Ismael E. Badillo-Vargas
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Biology Department, South Texas College, 400 N. Border, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA
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3
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Jeong A, Park SJ, Lee EJ, Kim KW. Nanoplastics exacerbate Parkinson's disease symptoms in C. elegans and human cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133289. [PMID: 38157817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133289] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of nanoplastics in our environment due to the widespread use of plastics poses potential health risks that are not yet fully understood. This study examines the physiological and neurotoxic effects of these minuscule nanoplastic particles on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as well as on human cells. Here, we find that 25 nm polystyrene nanoplastic particles can inhibit animal growth and movement at very low concentrations, with varying effects on their surface groups. Furthermore, these nanoplastic particles not only accumulate in the digestive tract but also penetrate further into extraintestinal tissues. Such nanoplastics significantly compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to "leaky gut" conditions and cause mitochondrial fragmentation in muscles, which possibly explains the observed movement impairments. A striking discovery was that these nanoplastics exacerbate symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease (PD), including dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, locomotor dysfunction, and accumulation of α-Synuclein aggregates. Importantly, our study demonstrates that the detrimental effects of nanoplastics on the aggregation of α-Synuclein extend to both C. elegans and human cell models of PD. In conclusion, our research highlights the potential health hazards linked to the physicochemical properties of nanoplastics, underlining the urgency of understanding their interactions with biological systems. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The escalating prevalence of nanoplastics in the environment due to widespread plastic usage raises potential health risks. Studies conducted on C. elegans indicate that even low concentrations of 25 nm polystyrene nanoplastics can impair growth and movement. These particles accumulate in the digestive system, compromising the intestinal barrier, causing "leaky gut", as well as inducing Parkinson's-like symptoms. Importantly, in both C. elegans and human cell models of Parkinson's disease, such nanoplastics penetrate tissues or cells and increase α-Synuclein aggregates. This underscores the urgent need to understand the interactions of nanoplastics with biological systems and highlights potential environmental and health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoung Jeong
- Department of Life Science and Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea
| | - Soo Jung Park
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Lee
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea.
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science and Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea.
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Schoeller EN, Hogan J, McKenzie CL, Osborne LS. Functional response of Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) to eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38442350 PMCID: PMC10914367 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The Middle East Asia Minor 1 biotype of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a greenhouse and field crop pest of global significance. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the generalist predatory thrips, Franklinothrips vespiformis Crawford (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae), as a biological control agent for B. tabaci. This was achieved by determining the functional responses of F. vespiformis larvae and adults to the egg and nymphal stages of B. tabaci under laboratory conditions. Analyses consisted of 10 replicates of each predator and prey stage combination on bean leaf discs for a 24-h period. Following logistic regression analyses to determine the functional response type exhibited, response parameters were estimated with nonlinear least squares regression using Roger's equation. Results showed that F. vespiformis larvae and adults exhibited a Type II functional response when feeding on immature B. tabaci. The handling times (Th) of F. vespiformis larvae and adults were magnitudes higher for B. tabaci nymphs than they were for eggs, which were in part driven by the higher attack rates (a) observed on eggs. The maximum attack rate (T/Th) for B. tabaci eggs and nymphs exhibited by first-stage larvae, second-stage larvae, and adult F. vespiformis increased with increasing predator age. Results from this study suggest that F. vespiformis larvae and particularly adults are promising biological control agents for B. tabaci and are efficient predators at both low and high prey densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich N Schoeller
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA 30223, USA
| | - Joshua Hogan
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Apopka, Florida, USA
| | - Cindy L McKenzie
- United States Horticultural Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945USA
| | - Lance S Osborne
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Apopka, Florida, USA
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Tóth Z, Bartók R, Nagy Z, Szappanos VR. The relative importance of social information use for population abundance in group-living and non-grouping prey. J Theor Biol 2023; 575:111626. [PMID: 37758120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Predator-prey relationships are fundamental components of ecosystem functioning, within which the spatial consequences of prey social organization can alter predation rates. Group-living (GL) species are known to exploit inadvertent social information (ISI) that facilitates population persistence under predation risk. Still, the extent to which non-grouping (NG) prey can benefit from similar processes is unknown. Here we built an individual-based model to explore and compare the population-level consequences of ISI use in GL and NG prey. We differentiated between GL and NG prey only by the presence or absence of social attraction toward conspecifics that drives individual movement patterns. We found that the extent of the benefits of socially acquired predator information in NG highly depends on the prey's ability to detect nearby predators, prey density and the occurrence of false alarms. Conversely, even moderate probabilities of ISI use and predator detection can lead to maximal population-level benefits in GL prey. This theoretical work provides additional insights into the conditions under which ISI use can facilitate population persistence irrespective of prey social organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, HUN-REN, Budapest, Hungary; University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Kalinkat G, Rall BC, Uiterwaal SF, Uszko W. Empirical evidence of type III functional responses and why it remains rare. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1033818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 70 years after its introduction, the framework of resource density-dependent consumption rates, also known as predator-prey functional responses, remains a core concept in population and food web ecology. Initially, three types of responses were defined: linear (type I), hyperbolic (type II), and sigmoid (type III). Due to its potential to stabilize consumer-resource population dynamics, the sigmoid type III functional response immediately became a “holy grail” in population ecology. However, experimentally proving that type III functional responses exist, whether in controlled laboratory systems or in nature, was challenging. While theoretical and practical advances make identifying type III responses easier today, decades of research have brought only a limited number of studies that provide empirical evidence for type III response curves. Here, we review this evidence from laboratory- and field-based studies published during the last two decades. We found 107 studies that reported type III responses, but these studies ranged across various taxa, interaction types, and ecosystems. To put these studies into context, we also discuss the various biological mechanisms that may lead to the emergence of type III responses. We summarize how three different and mutually independent intricacies bedevil the empirical documentation of type III responses: (1) challenges in statistical modeling of functional responses, (2) inadequate resource density ranges and spacing, and (3) biologically meaningful and realistic design of experimental arenas. Finally, we provide guidelines on how the field should move forward based on these considerations.
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Aliyu MB, Mohd MH. Mathematical modeling of the population dynamics of a distinct interactions type system with local dispersal. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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8
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Kreuzinger-Janik B, Traunspurger W, Majdi N. Who feeds on whom in semi-aquatic moss ecosystems? FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Juliano SA, Goughnour JA, Ower GD. Predation in Many Dimensions: Spatial Context Is Important for Meaningful Functional Response Experiments. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.845560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For simplicity and to minimize variation, functional response experiments frequently use environments of simple physical structure and small size. Less attention is paid to similarity of the experimental environment to the natural environment where predation occurs. Assumptions about predator and prey use of space are often implied in the choice of experimental environment. We illustrate how these assumptions may affect conclusions with an experiment testing how arena size affects a functional response. Toxorhynchites rutilus preyed upon larval Culex restuans in containers differing in volume by 15x, but spanning a similar range of prey/liter. The most plausible Type II model included attack rates that were statistically indistinguishable, but in the larger volume, had handling time that was lower by > 30x compared to the smaller volume, suggesting a major change in predator behavior with container volume. When we altered our assumption that predation scales with prey/liter, assuming instead that aggregation causes predation to scale with prey/area of surface or bottom, the conclusions changed: neither attack rate nor handling time differed with container size. Thus, our assumption about how predator and prey used space altered the conclusions of the experiment. We then summarize recently published experiments showing that spatial context affects estimated functional responses. We suggest that functional response experiments would be improved by using larger experimental spaces that represent physical complexity of environments where predation occurs. Greater spatial extent and complexity are likely to cause aggregation of predation. Effects of more realistic spatial context are likely to yield more complete understanding of quantitative aspects of predation.
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Islam Y, Shah FM, Güncan A, DeLong JP, Zhou X. Functional Response of Harmonia axyridis to the Larvae of Spodoptera litura: The Combined Effect of Temperatures and Prey Instars. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:849574. [PMID: 35845680 PMCID: PMC9284266 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.849574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Functional responses are central to predator-prey dynamics and describe how predation varies with prey abundance. Functional responses often are measured without regard to prey size (i.e., body mass) or the temperature dependence of feeding rates. However, variation in prey size within populations is ubiquitous, and predation rates are often both size and temperature-dependent. Here, we assessed functional responses of larvae and adult Harmonia axyridis on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of the prey Spodoptera litura across a range of temperatures (i.e., 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The type and parameters of the functional responses were determined using logistic regression and fitted to the Roger's random predator equation. The magnitude of predation varied with the predator and prey stage, but prey predation increased with warming and predator age. Predation by the female and 4th instar of H. axyridis on the 1st instar of prey was greater, followed by the 2nd and 3rd instar of prey S. litura. No predation occurred on the larger prey for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of H. axyridis. The larvae and adult H. axyridis produced a type II (hyperbolic) functional response curve across all temperatures and the three prey types they consumed. Space clearance rates, handling time, and maximum predation rates of H. axyridis changed with temperature and prey size, increasing with temperature and decreasing with prey size, suggesting more predation will occur on younger prey. This study indicates an interactive role of temperature and prey/predator size in shaping functional responses, which might complicate the planning of effective biocontrol strategies against this serious pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Islam
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Farhan Mahmood Shah
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Farhan Mahmood Shah ;
| | - Ali Güncan
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - John Paul DeLong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Xingmiao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Xingmiao Zhou
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Luger AM, South J, Alexander ME, Ellender BR, Weyl OLF, Nagelkerke LAJ. Ecomorphology of largemouth bass relative to a native trophic analogue explains its high invasive impact. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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12
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Zhang Y, Li B, Wu J, Pennings SC. Contrasting latitudinal clines of nematode diversity in
Spartina alterniflora
salt marshes between native and introduced ranges. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Youzheng Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of Yangtze River Estuary Institute of Biodiversity Science and Institute of Eco‐Chongming School of Life Sciences Fudan University Shanghai China
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Bo Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of Yangtze River Estuary Institute of Biodiversity Science and Institute of Eco‐Chongming School of Life Sciences Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Jihua Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Coastal Ecosystems Research Station of Yangtze River Estuary Institute of Biodiversity Science and Institute of Eco‐Chongming School of Life Sciences Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Steven C. Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston TX USA
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