1
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Sobhy IS, Gurr GM, Hefin Jones T. Induced plant resistance and its influence on natural enemy use of plant-derived foods. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101218. [PMID: 38838913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In response to herbivory, plants employ several inducible defenses to mitigate herbivore damage. These plant-induced responses can trigger subtle changes in plant metabolite composition, altering the profiles of plant-produced exudates such as (extra-) floral nectar and plant guttation. Natural enemies consume these plant-produced exudates, which serve as consistent and nutrient-dense food sources. There is mounting evidence that natural enemies' access to plant-produced exudates impacts their fitness, performance, and life history traits. Nonetheless, the role of induced plant defense on plant-produced exudates and the subsequent effect on natural enemies remains under-researched. This review, thus, highlights the potential role of induced plant defense on the profiles of plant-produced exudates, with a particular emphasis on altered metabolic changes affecting resource nutritional value and consequently the fitness and performance of natural enemies. Future directions and potential implications in biological control practices are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam S Sobhy
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Geoff M Gurr
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
| | - T Hefin Jones
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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2
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Sobhy IS, Berry C. Chemical ecology of nectar-mosquito interactions: recent advances and future directions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101199. [PMID: 38588943 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes, males and females, rely on sugar-rich resources, including floral nectar as a primary source of sugar to meet their energy and nutritional needs. Despite advancements in understanding mosquito host-seeking and blood-feeding preferences, significant gaps in our knowledge of the chemical ecology mediating mosquito-nectar associations remain. The influence of such association with nectar on mosquito behavior and the resulting effects on their fitness are also not totally understood. It is significant that floral nectar frequently acts as a natural habitat for various microbes (e.g. bacteria and yeast), which substantially alter nectar characteristics, influencing the nutritional ecology of flower-visiting insects, such as mosquitoes. The role of nectar-inhabiting microbes in shaping the nectar-mosquito interactions remains, however, under-researched. This review explores recent advances in understanding the role of such multitrophic interactions on the fitness and life history traits of mosquitoes and outlines future directions for research toward their control as disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam S Sobhy
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Colin Berry
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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3
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Urbaneja-Bernat P, Tena A, González-Cabrera J, Rodriguez-Saona C. An insect's energy bar: the potential role of plant guttation on biological control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101140. [PMID: 37939848 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Plant guttation is an exudation fluid composed of xylem and phloem sap secreted at the margins of leaves of many agricultural crops. Although plant guttation is a widespread phenomenon, its effect on natural enemies remains largely unexplored. A recent study showed that plant guttation can be a reliable nutrient-rich food source for natural enemies, affecting their communities in highbush blueberries. This review highlights the potential role of plant guttation as a food source for natural enemies, with a particular emphasis on its nutritional value, effects on insect communities, and potential use in conservation biological control. We also discuss possible negative implications and conclude with some open questions and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joel González-Cabrera
- Universitat de València, Institute BIOTECMED Department of Genetics, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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4
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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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5
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Cusumano A, Lievens B. Microbe-mediated alterations in floral nectar: consequences for insect parasitoids. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 60:101116. [PMID: 37741616 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar is frequently colonized by microbes among which bacteria and yeasts are the most abundant. These microbes have the ability to alter nectar characteristics with consequences for the whole community of flower-visiting insects. Recent research carried out on natural enemies of insect herbivores has shown that microbe-mediated changes in nectar traits can influence the foraging behavior and life history traits of parasitoids. The production of microbial volatile organic compounds can affect the attraction of parasitoids to nectar, while changes in sugar and amino acid composition can impact their longevity. Future research should focus on understanding the effects of nectar microbial colonization on parasitoid reproduction, with a specific emphasis on the interactions among different microbial taxa known to co-occur in floral nectar. Overall, this review highlights the importance of considering the role of nectar-inhabiting microbes in shaping the interactions between parasitoids and their food resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Bart Lievens
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Colazza S, Peri E, Cusumano A. Chemical Ecology of Floral Resources in Conservation Biological Control. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 68:13-29. [PMID: 36130040 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120220-124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conservation biological control aims to enhance populations of natural enemies of insect pests in crop habitats, typically by intentional provision of flowering plants as food resources. Ideally, these flowering plants should be inherently attractive to natural enemies to ensure that they are frequently visited. We review the chemical ecology of floral resources in a conservation biological control context, with a focus on insect parasitoids. We highlight the role of floral volatiles as semiochemicals that attract parasitoids to the food resources. The discovery that nectar-inhabiting microbes can be hidden players in mediating parasitoid responses to flowering plants has highlighted the complexity of the interactions between plants and parasitoids. Furthermore, because food webs in agroecosystems do not generally stop at the third trophic level, we also consider responses of hyperparasitoids to floral resources. We thus provide an overview of floral compounds as semiochemicals from a multitrophic perspective, and we focus on the remaining questions that need to be addressed to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Colazza
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
| | - Ezio Peri
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
| | - Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
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7
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Kumar V, Tyagi I, Patidar A, Singha D, Tyagi K. Gut bacterial diversity on the basis of feeding behaviour in different species of thrips (Thysanoptera). JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2022.2123208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Inderjeet Tyagi
- Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Abhishek Patidar
- Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Devkant Singha
- Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Kaomud Tyagi
- Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
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8
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Burgess EC, Schaeffer RN. The Floral Microbiome and Its Management in Agroecosystems: A Perspective. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:9819-9825. [PMID: 35917340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Disease management is critical to ensuring healthy crop yields and is often targeted at flowers because of their susceptibility to pathogens and direct link to reproduction. Many disease management strategies are unsustainable however because of the potential for pathogens to evolve resistance, or nontarget effects on beneficial insects. Manipulating the floral microbiome holds some promise as a sustainable alternative to chemical means of disease control. In this perspective, we discuss the current state of research concerning floral microbiome assembly and management in agroecosystems as well as future directions aimed at improving the sustainability of disease control and insect-mediated ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Burgess
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Robert N Schaeffer
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
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9
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Barbé S, Figàs-Segura À, Benada M, Navarro-Herrero I, Sampaio TM, Biosca EG, Marco-Noales E. Plant-associated microbiota as a source of antagonistic bacteria against the phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:559-569. [PMID: 35403335 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Control of bacterial plant diseases is a major concern, as they affect economically important species and spread easily, such as the case of fire blight of rosaceous caused by Erwinia amylovora. In the search for alternatives to the use of agrochemicals and antibiotics, this work presents a screening of natural bacterial antagonists of this relevant and devastating phytopathogen. We recovered bacterial isolates from different plant tissues and geographical origins and then selected those with the strongest ability to reduce fire blight symptoms ex vivo and remarkable in vitro antagonistic activity against E. amylovora. None of them elicited a hypersensitivity reaction in tobacco leaves, most produced several hydrolytic enzymes and presented other biocontrol and/or plant growth-promoting activities, such as siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These isolates, considered as biocontrol candidates, were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Pseudomonas azotoformans, Rosenbergiella epipactidis and Serratia plymuthica. This is the first time that the last five bacterial species are reported to have biocontrol potential against E. amylovora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Barbé
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Àngela Figàs-Segura
- Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universitat de València, C/Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - M'hamed Benada
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Earth and the Universe, 8 Mai 1945 University, Guelma, Algeria
| | - Inmaculada Navarro-Herrero
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Telma Maria Sampaio
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena G Biosca
- Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universitat de València, C/Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ester Marco-Noales
- Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), CV-315 km 10.7, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Cusumano A, Bella P, Peri E, Rostás M, Guarino S, Lievens B, Colazza S. Nectar-Inhabiting Bacteria Affect Olfactory Responses of an Insect Parasitoid by Altering Nectar Odors. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:10.1007/s00248-022-02078-6. [PMID: 35913610 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar is ubiquitously colonized by a variety of microorganisms among which yeasts and bacteria are the most common. Microorganisms inhabiting floral nectar can alter several nectar traits, including nectar odor by producing microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Evidence showing that mVOCs can affect the foraging behavior of insect pollinators is increasing in the literature, whereas the role of mVOCs in altering the foraging behavior of third-trophic level organisms such as insect parasitoids is largely overlooked. Parasitoids are frequent visitors of flowers and are well known to feed on nectar. In this study, we isolated bacteria inhabiting floral nectar of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Polygonales: Polygonaceae), to test the hypothesis that nectar bacteria affect the foraging behavior of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) via changes in odors of nectar. In behavioral assays, we found that T. basalis wasps are attracted toward nectar fermented by 4 out of the 14 bacterial strains isolated, which belong to Staphylococcus epidermidis, Terrabacillus saccharophilus (both Firmicutes), Pantoea sp. (Proteobacteria), and Curtobacterium sp. (Actinobacteria). Results of chemical investigations revealed significant differences in the volatile blend composition of nectars fermented by the bacterial isolates. Our results indicate that nectar-inhabiting bacteria play an important role in the interactions between flowering plants and foraging parasitoids. These results are also relevant from an applied perspective as flowering resources, such as buckwheat, are largely used in agriculture to promote conservation biological control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bella
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Ezio Peri
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Michael Rostás
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Guarino
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Corso Calatafimi 414, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Willem De Croylaan 46, Leuven, KU, 3001, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), Leuven, KU, 3001, Belgium
| | - Stefano Colazza
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
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11
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Martin VN, Schaeffer RN, Fukami T. Potential effects of nectar microbes on pollinator health. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210155. [PMID: 35491594 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral nectar is prone to colonization by nectar-adapted yeasts and bacteria via air-, rain-, and animal-mediated dispersal. Upon colonization, microbes can modify nectar chemical constituents that are plant-provisioned or impart their own through secretion of metabolic by-products or antibiotics into the nectar environment. Such modifications can have consequences for pollinator perception of nectar quality, as microbial metabolism can leave a distinct imprint on olfactory and gustatory cues that inform foraging decisions. Furthermore, direct interactions between pollinators and nectar microbes, as well as consumption of modified nectar, have the potential to affect pollinator health both positively and negatively. Here, we discuss and integrate recent findings from research on plant-microbe-pollinator interactions and their consequences for pollinator health. We then explore future avenues of research that could shed light on the myriad ways in which nectar microbes can affect pollinator health, including the taxonomic diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate pollinators that rely on this reward. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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12
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Vannette RL, McMunn MS, Hall GW, Mueller TG, Munkres I, Perry D. Culturable bacteria are more common than fungi in floral nectar and are more easily dispersed by thrips, a ubiquitous flower visitor. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6430164. [PMID: 34791198 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in dispersal ability among taxa affects community assembly and biodiversity maintenance within metacommunities. Although fungi and bacteria frequently coexist, their relative dispersal abilities are poorly understood. Nectar-inhabiting microbial communities affect plant reproduction and pollinator behavior, and are excellent models for studying dispersal of bacteria and fungi in a metacommunity framework. Here, we assay dispersal ability of common nectar bacteria and fungi in an insect-based dispersal experiment. We then compare these results with the incidence and abundance of culturable flower-inhabiting bacteria and fungi within naturally occurring flowers across two coflowering communities in California across two flowering seasons. Our microbial dispersal experiment demonstrates that bacteria disperse via thrips among artificial habitat patches more readily than fungi. In the field, incidence and abundance of culturable bacteria and fungi were positively correlated, but bacteria were much more widespread. These patterns suggest shared dispersal routes or habitat requirements among culturable bacteria and fungi, but differences in dispersal or colonization frequency by thrips, common flower visitors. The finding that culturable bacteria are more common among nectar sampled here, in part due to superior thrips-mediated dispersal, may have relevance for microbial life history, community assembly of microbes, and plant-pollinator interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Marshall S McMunn
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Griffin W Hall
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tobias G Mueller
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ivan Munkres
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Douglas Perry
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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13
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Jacquemyn H, Pozo MI, Álvarez-Pérez S, Lievens B, Fukami T. Yeast-nectar interactions: metacommunities and effects on pollinators. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 44:35-40. [PMID: 33065340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
About 90% of all flowering plant species are pollinated by animals. Animals are attracted to flowers because they often provide food in the form of nectar and pollen. While floral nectar is assumed to be initially sterile, it commonly becomes colonized by yeasts after animals have visited the flowers. Although yeast communities in floral nectar appear simple, community assembly depends on a complex interaction between multiple factors. Yeast colonization has a significant effect on the scent of floral nectar, foraging behavior of insects and nectar consumption. Consumption of nectar colonized by yeasts has been shown to improve bee fitness, but effects largely depended on yeast species. Altogether, these results indicate that dispersal, colonization history and nectar chemistry strongly interact and have pronounced effects on yeast metacommunities and, as a result, on bee foraging behavior and fitness. Future research directions to better understand the dynamics of plant-microbe-pollinator interactions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jacquemyn
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - María I Pozo
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - 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 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
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14
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Ma YJ, He HP, Zhao HM, Xian YD, Guo H, Liu B, Xue K. Microbiome diversity of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) is associated with host alternation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5260. [PMID: 33664278 PMCID: PMC7933357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aphids are infected by a series of bacteria that can help them survive on specific host plants. However, the associations between aphids and these bacteria are not clear, and the bacterial communities in many aphid species are poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) on 2 representative winter host plants and transferred to 3 summer host plants by 16S rDNA sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Our results revealed that the bacterial communities varied among cotton aphids on hibiscus, cotton aphids on pomegranate, cotton aphids on cotton transferred from hibiscus, cotton aphids on muskmelon transferred from hibiscus, cotton aphids on cucumber transferred from hibiscus,. The diversity and richness of the bacterial communities were significantly higher in aphids on muskmelon and aphids on cucumber than in the other treatments. There were two main factors influencing the distribution of internal bacterial OTUs revealed by principal component analysis, including the differences among Punicaceae, Malvaceae and Cucurbitaceae. There were 28 bacterial communities with significant differences between two arbitrary treatments, which could be grouped into 6 main clusters depending on relative abundance. Moreover, our results indicated that in addition to the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera, with a dominant position (> 52%), A. gossypii also harbored 3 facultative endosymbiotic bacteria (Serratia, Arsenophonus, and Wolbachia) and 3 possibly symbiotic bacteria (Acinetobacter, Pantoea, and Flavobacterium). There were several correspondences between the symbiotic bacteria in cotton aphids and the specific host plants of the aphids. This study provides a better understanding of the interactions among symbiotic bacteria, aphids and host plants, suggesting that the selection pressure on aphid bacterial communities is likely to be exerted by the species of host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-jie Ma
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Hao-peng He
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Hai-meng Zhao
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yi-dan Xian
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Hui Guo
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Biao Liu
- grid.464374.60000 0004 1757 8263Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEP, Nanjing, 210042 China
| | - Kun Xue
- grid.411077.40000 0004 0369 0529College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081 China ,grid.464374.60000 0004 1757 8263Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEP, Nanjing, 210042 China
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15
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Pozo MI, Mariën T, van Kemenade G, Wäckers F, Jacquemyn H. Effects of pollen and nectar inoculation by yeasts, bacteria or both on bumblebee colony development. Oecologia 2021; 195:689-703. [PMID: 33582870 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04872-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that gut microbiota have a major effect on the physiology, biology, ecology and evolution of their animal hosts. Because in social insects, the gut microbiota is acquired through the diet and by contact with nest provisions, it can be hypothesized that regular supplementation of microorganisms to the diet will have an impact on the fitness of the consumer and on the development of the whole colony. To test this hypothesis, we investigated how supplementation of bacteria, yeasts, and combinations of the two to either pollen or nectar affected colony development in the social bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Three yeasts and three bacterial species that live at the flower-insect interface were used in the experiments and the development of bumblebee colonies was monitored over a period of 10 weeks. The results showed that administration of microbes via pollen had a stronger positive impact on colony development than when provided via sugar water. Supplementation of bacteria led, in general, to a faster egg laying, higher brood size and increased production of workers during the first weeks, whereas yeasts or a combination of yeasts and bacteria had less impact on colony development. However, the results differed between microbial species, with Wickerhamiella bombiphila and Rosenbergiella nectarea showing the strongest increase in colony development. Torulaspora delbrueckii induced early male production, which is likely a fitness cost. We conclude that the tested bacteria-yeast consortia did not result in better colony development than the interacting species alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- María I Pozo
- Biology Department, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Toon Mariën
- Biology Department, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Gaby van Kemenade
- Biology Department, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium.,Biobest Group, Research and Development, 2260, Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest Group, Research and Development, 2260, Westerlo, Belgium
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Biology Department, Plant Conservation and Population Biology, KU Leuven, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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16
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Sharaby Y, Rodríguez-Martínez S, Lalzar M, Halpern M, Izhaki I. Geographic partitioning or environmental selection: What governs the global distribution of bacterial communities inhabiting floral nectar? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:142305. [PMID: 33370885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar harbors microbial communities which have significant impacts on its chemistry, volatiles, nutritional contents, and attractiveness for pollinators. Yet, fundamental knowledge regarding the structure and composition of nectar-associated microbiomes remains largely unknown. Especially elusive are the environmental factors and spatial effects that shape nectar-inhabiting microbial communities. The aim of this study was to explore and analyze the role of geographical and environmental factors affecting the composition and global distribution of floral nectar microbiota. We explored and compared the structure of bacterial communities inhabiting the floral nectar of the widely spread and invasive tobacco tree (Nicotiana glauca) in six continents: South and North America, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Environmental abiotic data for each sampled plant was obtained from the Worldclim database and applied for inferring the effects of environmental conditions on bacterial community structure and diversity. Most abundant in the nectar were the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla, with Acinetobacter and Rosenbergiella (Proteobacteria) being the dominant bacterial genera that contributed most to the dissimilarities between sites. Acinetobacter and Rosenbergiella abundances were negatively correlated and significantly higher in the Mediterranean regions (Greece, Israel, and the Canary Islands) compared to Argentina and Australia. Temperature, site-elevation, rainfall, and density of vegetation were found to have significant effects on the structure and diversity of these bacterial communities in the nectar. Vegetation density was positively correlated with microbial diversity, while increased temperatures and elevation reduced the diversity and evenness of bacterial communities. Mantel's test showed that the similarity between the bacterial communities' composition significantly decreased as distances between them increased. We conclude that both geographical distance and local environmental abiotic conditions affect and shape the composition and diversity of nectar inhabiting bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehonatan Sharaby
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Sarah Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Maya Lalzar
- Bioinformatics Service Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Malka Halpern
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Oranim, Tivon, Israel.
| | - Ido Izhaki
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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17
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Vannette RL. The Floral Microbiome: Plant, Pollinator, and Microbial Perspectives. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-011720-013401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Flowers at times host abundant and specialized communities of bacteria and fungi that influence floral phenotypes and interactions with pollinators. Ecological processes drive variation in microbial abundance and composition at multiple scales, including among plant species, among flower tissues, and among flowers on the same plant. Variation in microbial effects on floral phenotype suggests that microbial metabolites could cue the presence or quality of rewards for pollinators, but most plants are unlikely to rely on microbes for pollinator attraction or reproduction. From a microbial perspective, flowers offer opportunities to disperse between habitats, but microbial species differ in requirements for and benefits received from such dispersal. The extent to which floral microbes shape the evolution of floral traits, influence fitness of floral visitors, and respond to anthropogenic change is unclear. A deeper understanding of these phenomena could illuminate the ecological and evolutionary importance of floral microbiomes and their role in the conservation of plant–pollinator interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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18
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From Diverse Origins to Specific Targets: Role of Microorganisms in Indirect Pest Biological Control. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11080533. [PMID: 32823898 PMCID: PMC7469166 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Integrated pest management (IPM) is today a widely accepted pest management strategy to select and use the most efficient control tactics and at the same time reduce over-dependence on chemical insecticides and their potentially negative environmental effects. One of the main pillars of IPM is biological control. While biological control programs of pest insects commonly rely on natural enemies such as predatory insects, parasitoids and microbial pathogens, there is increasing evidence that plant, soil and insect microbiomes can also be exploited to enhance plant defense against herbivores. In this mini-review, we illustrate how microorganisms from diverse origins can contribute to plant fitness, functional traits and indirect defense responses against pest insects, and therefore be indirectly used to improve biological pest control practices. Microorganisms in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere have not only been shown to enhance plant growth and plant strength, but also promote plant defense against herbivores both above- and belowground by providing feeding deterrence or antibiosis. Also, herbivore associated molecular patterns may be induced by microorganisms that come from oral phytophagous insect secretions and elicit plant-specific responses to herbivore attacks. Furthermore, microorganisms that inhabit floral nectar and insect honeydew produce volatile organic compounds that attract beneficial insects like natural enemies, thereby providing indirect pest control. Given the multiple benefits of microorganisms to plants, we argue that future IPMs should consider and exploit the whole range of possibilities that microorganisms offer to enhance plant defense and increase attraction, fecundity and performance of natural enemies.
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19
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Almeida OGG, Pinto UM, Matos CB, Frazilio DA, Braga VF, von Zeska-Kress MR, De Martinis ECP. Does Quorum Sensing play a role in microbial shifts along spontaneous fermentation of cocoa beans? An in silico perspective. Food Res Int 2020; 131:109034. [PMID: 32247478 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocoa fermentation is a spontaneous process shaped by a variable microbial ecosystem which is assembled due to cross-feeding relationship among yeasts and bacteria, resulting in a synchronized microbial succession started by yeasts, followed by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and finalized by acetic acid bacteria (AAB). Several studies have indicated the effect of microbial interactions in food ecosystems highlighting the importance of quorum sensing (QS) in bacterial adaptation in harsh environments modulating several phenotypes such as biofilm formation, tolerance to acid stress, bacteriocin production, competence, morphological modifications, motility, among others. However, antagonic interactions also occur, and can be marked by Quorum Quenching (QQ) activity, negatively impacting QS regulated phenotypes. Our current knowledge regarding microbial cocoa composition and functioning is based on culture-based analysis and culture-independent PCR-based methods. Therefore, we set out to investigate the application of metagenomics analysis on a classical spontaneous cocoa fermentation in order to describe: (I) the microbial taxonomic composition; (II) the functional potential of the cocoa microbiome; (III) the microbiome putative QS potential; and (IV) the microbiome QQ potential. Both aims III and IV are related to the expression of effectors that may confer advantageous traits along fermentation which can explain their dominance in specific time zones during the entire process. We have observed a bacterial succession shaped by yeasts and filamentous fungi and then Enterobacteriaceales, LAB and AAB, as well as a diverse genetic metabolic potential related to proteins and carbohydrates metabolism associated to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and members of the Enterobacteriaceales order and LAB and AAB groups. In addition, in silico evidences of interspecific QS arsenal were found in members of the genera Enterobacter, Lactobacillus, Bacillus and Pantoea, while inferences of intraspecific QS potential were found in the members of the genera Bacillus, Enterobacter, Komagataeibacter, Lactobacillus and Pantoea. In addition, a QQ potential was detected in Lactobacillus and in AAB members. These findings indicate that QS and QQ may modulate bacterial dominance in different time points during fermentation, along with cross-feeding, being responsible for their maintenance in a large time range.
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Affiliation(s)
- O G G Almeida
- Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - U M Pinto
- Food Research Center, Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Brazil
| | - C B Matos
- Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira- Centro de Pesquisas do Cacau (CEPLAC-CEPEC), Rod. Jorge Amado, 22 - Alto Mirante, Itabuna, BA, Brazil
| | - D A Frazilio
- Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - V F Braga
- Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - M R von Zeska-Kress
- Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - E C P De Martinis
- Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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20
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Klaps J, Lievens B, Álvarez-Pérez S. Towards a better understanding of the role of nectar-inhabiting yeasts in plant-animal interactions. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2020; 7:1. [PMID: 31921433 PMCID: PMC6947986 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-019-0091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flowers offer a wide variety of substrates suitable for fungal growth. However, the mycological study of flowers has only recently begun to be systematically addressed from an ecological point of view. Most research on the topic carried out during the last decade has focused on studying the prevalence and diversity of flower-inhabiting yeasts, describing new species retrieved from floral parts and animal pollinators, and the use of select nectar yeasts as model systems to test ecological hypotheses. In this primer article, we summarize the current state of the art in floral nectar mycology and provide an overview of some research areas that, in our view, still require further attention, such as the influence of fungal volatile organic compounds on the foraging behavior of pollinators and other floral visitors, the analysis of the direct and indirect effects of nectar-inhabiting fungi on the fitness of plants and animals, and the nature and consequences of fungal-bacterial interactions taking place within flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Klaps
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME & BIM), KU Leuven, Willem De Croylaan 46, Leuven, 3001 Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME & BIM), KU Leuven, Willem De Croylaan 46, Leuven, 3001 Belgium
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME & BIM), KU Leuven, Willem De Croylaan 46, Leuven, 3001 Belgium
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21
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Pozo MI, Kemenade G, Oystaeyen A, Aledón‐Catalá T, Benavente A, Van den Ende W, Wäckers F, Jacquemyn H. The impact of yeast presence in nectar on bumble bee behavior and fitness. ECOL MONOGR 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María I. Pozo
- KU Leuven Biology Department Plant Population and Conservation Biology B‐3001 Heverlee Belgium
- Biobest Group, Research and Development B‐2260 Westerlo Belgium
| | - Gaby Kemenade
- KU Leuven Biology Department Plant Population and Conservation Biology B‐3001 Heverlee Belgium
- Biobest Group, Research and Development B‐2260 Westerlo Belgium
| | | | - Tomás Aledón‐Catalá
- KU Leuven Biology Department Plant Population and Conservation Biology B‐3001 Heverlee Belgium
- Biobest Group, Research and Development B‐2260 Westerlo Belgium
| | | | - Wim Van den Ende
- KU Leuven Biology Department Molecular Plant Biology B‐3001 Heverlee Belgium
| | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest Group, Research and Development B‐2260 Westerlo Belgium
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- KU Leuven Biology Department Plant Population and Conservation Biology B‐3001 Heverlee Belgium
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22
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Rusman Q, Lucas-Barbosa D, Poelman EH, Dicke M. Ecology of Plastic Flowers. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 24:725-740. [PMID: 31204246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant phenotypic plasticity in response to herbivore attack includes changes in flower traits. Such herbivore-induced changes in flower traits have consequences for interactions with flower visitors. We synthesize here current knowledge on the specificity of herbivore-induced changes in flower traits, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the ecological consequences for flower-associated communities. Herbivore-induced changes in flower traits seem to be largely herbivore species-specific. The extensive plasticity observed in flowers influences a highly connected web of interactions within the flower-associated community. We argue that the adaptive value of herbivore-induced plant responses and flower plasticity can be fully understood only from a community perspective rather than from pairwise interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quint Rusman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Dani Lucas-Barbosa
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H Poelman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Schaeffer RN, Rering CC, Maalouf I, Beck JJ, Vannette RL. Microbial metabolites elicit distinct olfactory and gustatory preferences in bumblebees. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190132. [PMID: 31311487 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals such as bumblebees use chemosensory cues to both locate and evaluate essential resources. Increasingly, it is recognized that microbes can alter the quality of foraged resources and produce metabolites that may act as foraging cues. The distinct nature of these chemosensory cues however and their use in animal foraging remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that species of nectar-inhabiting microbes differentially influence pollinator attraction and feeding via microbial metabolites produced in nectar. We first examined the electrophysiological potential for bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) antennal olfactory neurons to respond to microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), followed by an olfactory preference test. We also assessed gustatory preferences for microbial-altered nectar through both no-choice and choice feeding assays. Antennal olfactory neurons responded to some mVOCs, and bees preferred nectar solutions inoculated with the bacterium Asaia astilbes over the yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii based on volatiles alone. However, B. impatiens foragers consumed significantly more Metschnikowia-inoculated nectar, suggesting distinct roles for mVOCs and non-volatile metabolites in mediating both attraction and feeding decisions. Collectively, our results suggest that microbial metabolites have significant potential to shape interspecific, plant-pollinator signalling, with consequences for forager learning, economics and floral host reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert N Schaeffer
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.,Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Caitlin C Rering
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Isabelle Maalouf
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - John J Beck
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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24
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25
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Álvarez-Pérez S, Lievens B, Fukami T. Yeast-Bacterium Interactions: The Next Frontier in Nectar Research. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 24:393-401. [PMID: 30792076 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Beyond its role as a reward for pollinators, floral nectar also provides a habitat for specialized and opportunistic yeasts and bacteria. These microbes modify nectar chemistry, often altering mutualistic relationships between plants and pollinators in ways that we are only beginning to understand. Many studies on this multi-partite system have focused on either yeasts or bacteria without consideration of yeast-bacterium interactions, but recent evidence suggests that such interactions drive the assembly of nectar microbial communities and its consequences for pollination. Unexplored potential mechanisms of yeast-bacterium interactions include the formation of physical complexes, nutritional interactions, antibiosis, signaling-based interactions, and horizontal gene transfer. We argue that studying these mechanisms can elucidate how nectar microbial communities are established and affect plant fitness via pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Campus De Nayer, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium; Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Bart Lievens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Campus De Nayer, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
| | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. https://twitter.com/@TadashiFukami
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26
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Zemenick AT, Rosenheim JA, Vannette RL. Legitimate visitors and nectar robbers of
Aquilegia formosa
have different effects on nectar bacterial communities. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ash T. Zemenick
- Department of Entomology and Nematology University of California—Davis One Shields Avenue Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Jay A. Rosenheim
- Department of Entomology and Nematology University of California—Davis One Shields Avenue Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Rachel L. Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology University of California—Davis One Shields Avenue Davis California 95616 USA
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27
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Sobhy IS, Baets D, Goelen T, Herrera-Malaver B, Bosmans L, Van den Ende W, Verstrepen KJ, Wäckers F, Jacquemyn H, Lievens B. Sweet Scents: Nectar Specialist Yeasts Enhance Nectar Attraction of a Generalist Aphid Parasitoid Without Affecting Survival. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1009. [PMID: 30061909 PMCID: PMC6055026 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar is commonly inhabited by microorganisms, mostly yeasts and bacteria, which can have a strong impact on nectar chemistry and scent. Yet, little is known about the effects of nectar microbes on the behavior and survival of insects belonging to the third trophic level such as parasitoids. Here, we used five nectar-inhabiting yeast species to test the hypothesis that yeast species that almost solely occur in nectar, and therefore substantially rely on floral visitors for dispersal, produce volatile compounds that enhance insect attraction without compromising insect life history parameters, such as survival. Experiments were performed using two nectar specialist yeasts (Metschnikowia gruessii and M. reukaufii) and three generalist species (Aureobasidium pullulans, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Sporobolomyces roseus). Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included as a reference yeast. We compared olfactory responses of the generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) when exposed to these microorganisms inoculated in synthetic nectar. Nectar-inhabiting yeasts had a significant impact on nectar chemistry and produced distinct volatile blends, some of which were attractive, while others were neutral or repellent. Among the different yeast species tested, the nectar specialists M. gruessii and M. reukaufii were the only species that produced a highly attractive nectar to parasitoid females, which simultaneously had no adverse effects on longevity and survival of adults. By contrast, parasitoids that fed on nectars fermented with the reference strain, A. pullulans, H. uvarum or S. roseus showed shortest longevity and lowest survival. Additionally, nectars fermented by A. pullulans or S. roseus were consumed significantly less, suggesting a lack of important nutrients or undesirable changes in the nectar chemical profiles. Altogether our results indicate that nectar-inhabiting yeasts play an important, but so far largely overlooked, role in plant-insect interactions by modulating the chemical composition of nectar, and may have important ecological consequences for plant pollination and biological control of herbivorous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam S. Sobhy
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne Waver, Belgium
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Dieter Baets
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne Waver, Belgium
| | - Tim Goelen
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne Waver, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Herrera-Malaver
- VIB Lab for Systems Biology and Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics Lab for Genetics and Genomics, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Bosmans
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne Waver, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Ende
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin J. Verstrepen
- VIB Lab for Systems Biology and Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics Lab for Genetics and Genomics, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest, Westerlo, Belgium
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Laboratory of Plant Conversation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne Waver, Belgium
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28
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Becher PG, Hagman A, Verschut V, Chakraborty A, Rozpędowska E, Lebreton S, Bengtsson M, Flick G, Witzgall P, Piškur J. Chemical signaling and insect attraction is a conserved trait in yeasts. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:2962-2974. [PMID: 29531709 PMCID: PMC5838033 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeast volatiles attract insects, which apparently is of mutual benefit, for both yeasts and insects. However, it is unknown whether biosynthesis of metabolites that attract insects is a basic and general trait, or if it is specific for yeasts that live in close association with insects. Our goal was to study chemical insect attractants produced by yeasts that span more than 250 million years of evolutionary history and vastly differ in their metabolism and lifestyle. We bioassayed attraction of the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster to odors of phylogenetically and ecologically distinct yeasts grown under controlled conditions. Baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the insect-associated species Candida californica, Pichia kluyveri and Metschnikowia andauensis, wine yeast Dekkera bruxellensis, milk yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, the vertebrate pathogens Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, and oleophilic Yarrowia lipolytica were screened for fly attraction in a wind tunnel. Yeast headspace was chemically analyzed, and co-occurrence of insect attractants in yeasts and flowering plants was investigated through a database search. In yeasts with known genomes, we investigated the occurrence of genes involved in the synthesis of key aroma compounds. Flies were attracted to all nine yeasts studied. The behavioral response to baker's yeast was independent of its growth stage. In addition to Drosophila, we tested the basal hexapod Folsomia candida (Collembola) in a Y-tube assay to the most ancient yeast, Y. lipolytica, which proved that early yeast signals also function on clades older than neopteran insects. Behavioral and chemical data and a search for selected genes of volatile metabolites underline that biosynthesis of chemical signals is found throughout the yeast clade and has been conserved during the evolution of yeast lifestyles. Literature and database reviews corroborate that yeast signals mediate mutualistic interactions between insects and yeasts. Moreover, volatiles emitted by yeasts are commonly found also in flowers and attract many insect species. The collective evidence suggests that the release of volatile signals by yeasts is a widespread and phylogenetically ancient trait, and that insect-yeast communication evolved prior to the emergence of flowering plants. Co-occurrence of the same attractant signals in yeast and flowers suggests that yeast-insect communication may have contributed to the evolution of insect-mediated pollination in flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G. Becher
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Arne Hagman
- Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Amrita Chakraborty
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Elżbieta Rozpędowska
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Sébastien Lebreton
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Marie Bengtsson
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Gerhard Flick
- Department of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity of Applied SciencesNeubrandenburgGermany
| | - Peter Witzgall
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Jure Piškur
- Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
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