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Weinhold A, Grüner E, Keller A. Bumble bee microbiota shows temporal succession and increase of lactic acid bacteria when exposed to outdoor environments. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1342781. [PMID: 38500505 PMCID: PMC10945022 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1342781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Question The large earth bumble bee (Bombus terrestris) maintains a social core gut-microbiota, similar as known from the honey bee, which plays an important role for host health and resistance. Experiments under laboratory conditions with commercial hives are limited to vertically transmitted microbes and neglect influences of environmental factors or external acquisition of microbes. Various environmental and landscape-level factors may have an impact on the gut-microbiota of pollinating insects, with consequences for pollinator health and fitness in agroecosystems. Still, it is not fully clear whether access to different flower diversities will have a significant influence on the bumble bee microbiota. Here, we tested in a semi-field experiment if the bumble bee microbiota changes over time when exposed to different flower diversities within outdoor flight cages. We used commercial hives to distinguish between vertically and horizontally transmitted bacteria, respectively from the nest environment or the exposed outside environment. Result The sequential sampling of foraging workers over a period of 35 days indicated a temporal progression of the bumble bee microbiota when placed outside. The microbiota increased in diversity and changed in composition and variability over time. We observed a major increase in relative abundance of the families Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and Weeksellaceae. In contrast, major core-taxa like Snodgrassella and Gilliamella declined in their relative abundance over time. The genus Lactobacillus showed a high diversity and strain specific turnover, so that only specific ASVs showed an increase over time, while others had a more erratic occurrence pattern. Exposure to different flower diversities had no significant influence on the progression of the bumble bee microbiota. Conclusion The bumble bee microbiota showed a dynamic temporal succession with distinct compositional changes and diversification over time when placed outdoor. The exposure of bumble bees to environmental conditions, or environmental microbes, increases dissimilarity and changes the gut-community composition. This shows the importance of environmental influences on the temporal dynamic and progression of the bumble bee microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Weinhold
- Cellular and Organismic Networks, Faculty of Biology, Center for Organismic Adaptation, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Álvarez-Pérez S, Lievens B, de Vega C. Floral nectar and honeydew microbial diversity and their role in biocontrol of insect pests and pollination. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101138. [PMID: 37931689 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Sugar-rich plant-related secretions, such as floral nectar and honeydew, that are commonly used as nutrient sources by insects and other animals, are also the ecological niche for diverse microbial communities. Recent research has highlighted the great potential of nectar and honeydew microbiomes in biological pest control and improved pollination, but the exploitation of these microbiomes requires a deep understanding of their community dynamics and plant-microbe-insect interactions. Additionally, the successful application of microbes in crop fields is conditioned by diverse ecological, legal, and ethical challenges that should be taken into account. In this article, we provide an overview of the nectar and honeydew microbiomes and discuss their potential applications in sustainable agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Clara de Vega
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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3
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An Update on Novel Taxa and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacteria Isolated from Domestic Animals Described in 2018 to 2021. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0028122. [PMID: 36533907 PMCID: PMC9945509 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00281-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel bacterial taxonomy and nomenclature revisions can have significant impacts on clinical practice, disease epidemiology, and veterinary microbiology laboratory operations. Expansion of research on the microbiota of humans, animals, and insects has significant potential impacts on the taxonomy of organisms of clinical interest. Implications of taxonomic changes may be especially important when considering zoonotic diseases. Here, we address novel taxonomy and nomenclature revisions of veterinary significance. Noteworthy discussion centers around descriptions of novel mastitis pathogens in Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Actinomycetaceae; bovine reproductive tract pathogens in Corynebacteriaceae; novel members of Mannheimia spp., Leptospira spp., and Mycobacterium spp.; the transfer of Ochrobactrum spp. to Brucella spp.; and revisions to the genus Mycoplasma.
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4
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Zheng K, Hong Y, Guo Z, Debnath SC, Yan C, Li K, Chen G, Xu J, Wu F, Zheng D, Wang P. Acinetobacter sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from beach sediment. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36748468 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-haemolytic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive bacillus strain (A3.8T) was isolated from beach sediment from Zhairuo Island, PR China. The strain grew at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0), with 0-4.5 % NaCl (optimum, 2 %) and at 10-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C). Its whole-genome sequence was 2.5 Mb in size, with a DNA G+C content of 41.6 mol%. On the basis of the results of core genome phylogenetic analysis, A3.8T represents a separate branch within the clade formed by five species of the genus Acinetobacter with 'Acinetobacter marinus' as the most closely related species. The average nucleotide identity compared with the closely related species of the genus Acinetobacter was below 83.66 % and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were less than 28.80 %. The predominant fatty acids included C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). Q-9 was the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipids are mainly composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two phospholipids, an aminolipid and four unknown lipids. A3.8T cannot assimilate dl-lactate and weakly utilizes l-glutamate, l-leucine, l-phenylalanine and l-tartrate, which distinguishes it from other species of the genus Acinetobacter. On the basis of the genotype, phenotype and biochemical data, strain A3.8T represents a novel species of the genus Acinetobacter, for which the name Acinetobacter sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A3.8T (=MCCC 1K07161T=LMG 32568T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Zheng
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Yi Hong
- Zhejiang University-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, 311200 Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Zhejiang University-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, 311200 Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Sanjit Chandra Debnath
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China.,Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4HB, UK
| | - Cen Yan
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Kejing Li
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Gen Chen
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Jinzhong Xu
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Fabai Wu
- Zhejiang University-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, 311200 Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Daoqiong Zheng
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Pinmei Wang
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
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5
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Nemec A, Radolfová-Křížová L, Maixnerová M, Nemec M, Shestivska V, Španělová P, Kyselková M, Wilharm G, Higgins PG. Acinetobacter amyesii sp. nov., widespread in the soil and water environment and animals. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 36282562 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005642] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied a novel taxon of the genus
Acinetobacter
, which comprised six strains collected in Czechia, Germany, Indonesia and Turkey between 2015 and 2021. The organisms were isolated from environmental soil, water samples and cow faeces. Their genome sizes varied between 3.3 and 3.5 Mb, with a G+C content of 40.4–40.8 mol%. Based on genus-wide core genome analysis, the taxon formed a distinct clade, with
Acinetobacter gandensis
being the phylogenetically closest related species. The intrataxon genomic average nucleotide identity based on blast (ANIb) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values reached 95.3–97.4% and 62.5–77.8 %, respectively, whereas its ANIb/dDDH values against the known
Acinetobacter
type strains were ≤82.7 %/≤25.7 %. Cluster analysis of whole-cell MALDI-TOF mass spectra corroborated the distinctness and cohesiveness of the taxon. The novel strains were non-glucose-oxidizing, non-haemolytic and non-proteolytic, growing at up to 37–41 °C but not at 44 °C and utilizing 8–10 of the 36 carbon sources tested. Growth on glutarate, tricarballylate and at 37 °C combined with the inability to assimilate 4-aminobutyrate and d-malate differentiated them from all validly named
Acinetobacter
species. The inspection of genome sequences in the NCBI database revealed the existence of numerous strains conspecific with this group, which were collected from pig faeces and environmental samples in China. We conclude that the taxon represents an ecologically and geographically widespread species, for which we propose the name Acinetobacter amyesii sp. nov., with ANC 5579T (= CCM 9242T=CCUG 76274T=CNCTC 8134T) as the type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Nemec
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48,100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague 5, Czechia
| | - Lenka Radolfová-Křížová
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48,100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
| | - Martina Maixnerová
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48,100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
| | - Matěj Nemec
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48,100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
| | - Violetta Shestivska
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48,100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
| | - Petra Španělová
- Czech National Collection of Type Cultures, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czechia
| | - Martina Kyselková
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Praha 414220, Czechia
| | - Gottfried Wilharm
- Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Burgstr. 37, D-38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Paul G Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Goldenfelstrasse 19-21 50935 Cologne, and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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6
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Morales-Poole JR, de Vega C, Tsuji K, Jacquemyn H, Junker RR, Herrera CM, Michiels C, Lievens B, Álvarez-Pérez S. Sugar Concentration, Nitrogen Availability, and Phylogenetic Factors Determine the Ability of Acinetobacter spp. and Rosenbergiella spp. to Grow in Floral Nectar. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:10.1007/s00248-022-02088-4. [PMID: 35930073 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The floral nectar of angiosperms harbors a variety of microorganisms that depend predominantly on animal visitors for their dispersal. Although some members of the genus Acinetobacter and all currently known species of Rosenbergiella are thought to be adapted to thrive in nectar, there is limited information about the response of these bacteria to variation in the chemical characteristics of floral nectar. We investigated the growth performance of a diverse collection of Acinetobacter (n = 43) and Rosenbergiella (n = 45) isolates obtained from floral nectar and the digestive tract of flower-visiting bees in a set of 12 artificial nectars differing in sugar content (15% w/v or 50% w/v), nitrogen content (3.48/1.67 ppm or 348/167 ppm of total nitrogen/amino nitrogen), and sugar composition (only sucrose, 1/3 sucrose + 1/3 glucose + 1/3 fructose, or 1/2 glucose + 1/2 fructose). Growth was only observed in four of the 12 artificial nectars. Those containing elevated sugar concentration (50% w/v) and low nitrogen content (3.48/1.67 ppm) were limiting for bacterial growth. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses revealed that the ability of the bacteria to grow in different types of nectar is highly conserved between closely related isolates and genotypes, but this conservatism rapidly vanishes deeper in phylogeny. Overall, these results demonstrate that the ability of Acinetobacter spp. and Rosenbergiella spp. to grow in floral nectar largely depends on nectar chemistry and bacterial phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Morales-Poole
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara de Vega
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Kaoru Tsuji
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Robert R Junker
- Evolutionary Ecology of Plants, Department of Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Biosciences, University Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Chris Michiels
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
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7
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Russell KA, McFrederick QS. Elevated Temperature May Affect Nectar Microbes, Nectar Sugars, and Bumble Bee Foraging Preference. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:473-482. [PMID: 34596711 PMCID: PMC9436853 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar, an important resource for pollinators, is inhabited by microbes such as yeasts and bacteria, which have been shown to influence pollinator preference. Dynamic and complex plant-pollinator-microbe interactions are likely to be affected by a rapidly changing climate, as each player has their own optimal growth temperatures and phenological responses to environmental triggers, such as temperature. To understand how warming due to climate change is influencing nectar microbial communities, we incubated a natural nectar microbial community at different temperatures and assessed the subsequent nectar chemistry and preference of the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens. The microbial community in floral nectar is often species-poor, and the cultured Brassica rapa nectar community was dominated by the bacterium Fructobacillus. Temperature increased the abundance of bacteria in the warmer treatment. Bumble bees preferred nectar inoculated with microbes, but only at the lower, ambient temperature. Warming therefore induced an increase in bacterial abundance which altered nectar sugars and led to significant differences in pollinator preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh A Russell
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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8
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Wu J, Han B, Zhao S, Zhong Y, Han W, Gao J, Wang S. Bioactive characterization of multifloral honeys from Apis cerana cerana, Apis dorsata, and Lepidotrigona flavibasis. Food Res Int 2022; 161:111808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Carpenter Bees ( Xylocopa) Harbor a Distinctive Gut Microbiome Related to That of Honey Bees and Bumble Bees. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0020322. [PMID: 35758673 PMCID: PMC9275229 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00203-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Eusocial corbiculate bees, including bumble bees and honey bees, maintain a socially transmitted core gut microbiome that contributes to digestion and pathogen defense. In contrast, solitary bees, which have fewer opportunities for direct interhost transmission, typically have less consistent microbiomes dominated by bacteria associated with pollen and food reserves. Carpenter bees (genus Xylocopa) are long-lived bees that are not eusocial but that often live in shared nesting sites. We characterized gut microbiomes for Xylocopa micans, X. mexicanorum, X. tabaniformis parkinsoniae, and X. virginica and for five solitary bee species from other genera (Andrena, Habropoda, Megachile, and Svastra), sampled in the same localities in central Texas. Unexpectedly, all four Xylocopa species had microbiomes dominated by bacterial lineages previously known only from social bees or other insect groups. Microbiomes were similar across three Xylocopa species and included lineages in the families Bifidobacteriaceae, Orbaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. In contrast, X. virginica had a distinct microbiome dominated by the genus Bombilactobacillus, a group abundant in guts of eusocial bees. Phylogenetic analyses support a past transfer of bacterial lineages into Xylocopa from bumble bees or honey bees. Gut microbiome compositions of Xylocopa species were distinct from those of other co-occurring solitary bees that had variable gut microbiomes dominated by bacteria from environmental sources. IMPORTANCE Gut microbiomes from social bees, such as honey bees and bumble bees, are conserved and consist of host-restricted bacteria that are transmitted among sterile female workers within a colony and that are important to the health of these key insect pollinators. In contrast, solitary bee species typically have more erratic, environmentally acquired microbiomes. Carpenter bees (genus Xylocopa) can be solitary as they lack a worker caste, and each female can excavate nests and raise offspring alone, although females are often social share nests at least in some species. This study showed that the gut microbiomes of four Xylocopa species have distinctive and consistent compositions and are dominated by bacterial lineages previously known from honey bees and bumble bees. Thus, eusociality is not required for bees to maintain a specialized, host-restricted gut microbiome. These findings suggest that gut bacteria are transmitted at shared nesting sites and that they play a role in host ecology.
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Crowley B, Russell A. Plant biology: Nectar bacteria grow by germinating and bursting pollen. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R1120-R1122. [PMID: 34637711 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbial residents of floral nectar must survive in a carbohydrate-rich yet seemingly nitrogen-poor environment. A new study shows that Acinetobacter spp., common nectar-inhabiting bacteria, differentially induce the pollen commonly found in nectar to germinate and burst, releasing nutrients for microbial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Crowley
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Avery Russell
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, USA.
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11
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Christensen SM, Munkres I, Vannette RL. Nectar bacteria stimulate pollen germination and bursting to enhance microbial fitness. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4373-4380.e6. [PMID: 34324834 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Many organisms consume pollen, yet mechanisms of its digestion remain a fundamental enigma in pollination biology,1-3 as pollen is protected by a recalcitrant outer shell.4-8 Pollen is commonly found in floral nectar,9,10 as are nectar microbes, which are nearly ubiquitous among flowers.11-13 Nectar specialist bacteria, like Acinetobacter, can reach high densities (up to 109 cells/mL), despite the fact that floral nectar is nitrogen poor.14-17 Here, we show evidence that the genus Acinetobacter, prevalent nectar- and bee-associated bacteria,12,18-20 can induce pollen germination and bursting, gain access to protoplasm nutrients, and thereby grow to higher densities. Although induced germination had been suggested as a potential method in macroscopic pollen consumers,2,21-23 and fungal inhibition of pollen germination has been shown,24-27 direct biological induction of germination has not been empirically documented outside of plants.28-32Acinetobacter pollinis SCC47719 induced over 5× greater pollen germination and 20× greater pollen bursting than that of uninoculated pollen by 45 min. When provided with germinable pollen, A. pollinis stimulates protein release and grows to nearly twice the density compared to growth with ungerminable pollen, indicating that stimulation of germination benefits bacterial fitness. In contrast, a common nectar-inhabiting yeast (Metschnikowia)33 neither induced nor benefited from pollen germination. We conclude that Acinetobacter both specifically causes and benefits from inducing pollen germination and bursting. Further study of microbe-pollen interactions may inform many aspects of pollination ecology, including floral microbial ecology,34,35 pollinator nutrient acquisition from pollen,2,3,21,36 and cues of pollen germination for plant reproduction.37-39.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Christensen
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Ivan Munkres
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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