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Slusher EK, Cottrell T, Gariepy T, Acebes-Doria A, Querejeta Coma M, Toledo PFS, Schmidt JM. A molecular approach to unravel trophic interactions between parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with pecan aphids. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:5. [PMID: 38989842 PMCID: PMC11237992 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Advances in molecular ecology can overcome many challenges in understanding host-parasitoid interactions. Genetic characterization of the key-players in systems helps to confirm species and identify trophic linkages essential for ecological service delivery by biological control agents; however, relatively few agroecosystems have been explored using this approach. Pecan production consists of a large tree perennial system containing an assortment of seasonal pests and natural enemies. As a first step to characterizing host-parasitoid associations in pecan food webs, we focus on aphid species and their parasitoids. Based on DNA barcoding of field-collected and reared specimens, we confirmed the presence of 3 species of aphid, one family of primary parasitoids, and 5 species of hyperparasitoids. By applying metabarcoding to field-collected aphid mummies, we were able to identify multiple species within each aphid mummy to unravel a complex food web of 3 aphids, 2 primary parasitoids, and upward of 8 hyperparasitoid species. The results of this study demonstrate that multiple hyperparasitoid species attack a single primary parasitoid of pecan aphids, which may have negative consequences for successful aphid biological control. Although further research is needed on a broader spatial scale, our results suggest multiple species exist in this system and may suggest a complex set of interactions between parasitoids, hyperparasitoids, and the 3 aphid species. This was the first time that many of these species have been characterized and demonstrates the application of novel approaches to analyze the aphid-parasitoid food webs in pecans and other tree crop systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie K Slusher
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
- USDA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, GA, USA
- Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension Center, Stephenville, TX, USA
| | - Ted Cottrell
- USDA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, GA, USA
| | - Tara Gariepy
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Marina Querejeta Coma
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte (IRBI), Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pedro F S Toledo
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Jason M Schmidt
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
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2
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Dou S, Liu B, Liu Y, Zhang J, Lu Y. Intraguild Predation of Hippodamia variegata on Aphid Mummies in Cotton Field. INSECTS 2023; 14:81. [PMID: 36662008 PMCID: PMC9862560 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intraguild predation among arthropod predators in agricultural ecosystems may have a negative impact on biological control. At present, there are few direct reports on trophic relationships among participants of predation in field groups. In this study, we measured the feeding choices of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) towards mummies with different densities of Aphis gossypii Glover. The dynamics of the occurrence of mummies in the cotton field were investigated over 2017-2019. Singleplex PCR and multiplex PCR were used to detect the predation of 2090 H. variegata individuals on aphids and mummies in Xinjiang cotton field, which revealed the intraguild predation frequency between H. variegata and various parasitoids. There was no obvious feeding preference of H. variegata towards live aphids or mummies, which mainly depended on the relative density of prey. Among the four species of aphids detected in H. variegata, A. gossypii had a high detection rate and was the main prey source of the ladybeetle in the cotton filed. Mostly, ladybeetles consumed parasitoids through mummies, with 6.39% directly feeding on adult parasitoids. H. variegata had strong trophic links to both parasitoids and aphids. We established a food web of aphids-primary parasitoids-hyperparasitoids-H. variegata, which can be used to evaluate the pest control ability of H. variegata from a new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Dou
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization/Key Laboratory at Universities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China;
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (B.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (B.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yangtian Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (B.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization/Key Laboratory at Universities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China;
| | - Yanhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (B.L.); (Y.L.)
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
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3
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Tomanović Ž, Kavallieratos NG, Ye Z, Nika EP, Petrović A, Vollhardt IMG, Vorburger C. Cereal Aphid Parasitoids in Europe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae): Taxonomy, Biodiversity, and Ecology. INSECTS 2022; 13:1142. [PMID: 36555052 PMCID: PMC9785021 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cereals are very common and widespread crops in Europe. Aphids are a diverse group of herbivorous pests on cereals and one of the most important limiting factors of cereal production. Here, we present an overview of knowledge about the taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecology of cereal aphid parasitoids in Europe, an important group of natural enemies contributing to cereal aphid control. We review the knowledge obtained from the integrative taxonomy of 26 cereal aphid primary parasitoid species, including two allochthonous species (Lysiphlebus testaceipes and Trioxys sunnysidensis) and two recently described species (Lipolexis labialis and Paralipsis brachycaudi). We further review 28 hyperparasitoid species belonging to three hymenopteran superfamilies and four families (Ceraphronoidea: Megaspillidae; Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae; Cynipoidea: Figitidae). We also compile knowledge on the presence of secondary endosymbionts in cereal aphids, as these are expected to influence the community composition and biocontrol efficiency of cereal aphid parasitoids. To study aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs more effectively, we present two kinds of DNA-based approach: (i) diagnostic PCR (mainly multiplex PCR), and (ii) DNA sequence-based methods. Finally, we also review the effects of landscape complexity on the different trophic levels in the food webs of cereal aphids and their associated parasitoids, as well as the impacts of agricultural practices and environmental variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Tomanović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, 16 Studentski trg, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nickolas G. Kavallieratos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Zhengpei Ye
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Xueyuan Road 4, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Erifili P. Nika
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Str., 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Andjeljko Petrović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, 16 Studentski trg, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ines M. G. Vollhardt
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Science, Georg-August University Göttingen, Grisebachstrasse 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Vorburger
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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4
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Abstract
Hyperparasitoids are some of the most diverse members of insect food webs. True hyperparasitoids parasitize the larvae of other parasitoids, reaching these larvae with their ovipositor through the herbivore that hosts the parasitoid larva. During pupation, primary parasitoids also may be attacked by pseudohyperparasitoids that lay their eggs on the parasitoid (pre)pupae. By attacking primary parasitoids, hyperparasitoids may affect herbivore population dynamics, and they have been identified as a major challenge in biological control. Over the past decades, research, especially on aphid- and caterpillar-associated hyperparasitoids, has revealed that hyperparasitoids challenge rules on nutrient use efficiency in trophic chains, account for herbivore outbreaks, or stabilize competitive interactions in lower trophic levels, and they may use cues derived from complex interaction networks to locate their hosts. This review focuses on the fascinating ecology of hyperparasitoids related to how they exploit and locate their often inconspicuous hosts and the insect community processes in which hyperparasitoids are prominent players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik H Poelman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Jetske G de Boer
- Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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5
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Jeavons E, Baaren J, Le Ralec A, Buchard C, Duval F, Llopis S, Postic E, Le Lann C. Third and fourth trophic level composition shift in an aphid–parasitoid–hyperparasitoid food web limits aphid control in an intercropping system. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jeavons
- University of RennesCNRSECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution)] ‐ UMR Rennes France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale Yves Rocher La Gacilly France
- LTSER « Zone Atelier Armorique »CNRS Rennes France
| | - Joan Baaren
- University of RennesCNRSECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution)] ‐ UMR Rennes France
| | - Anne Le Ralec
- IGEPPInstitut AgroINRAEUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
| | | | - Franck Duval
- IGEPPInstitut AgroINRAEUniversité de Rennes 1 Le Rheu France
| | - Stéphanie Llopis
- University of RennesCNRSECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution)] ‐ UMR Rennes France
| | - Estelle Postic
- IGEPPInstitut AgroINRAEUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
| | - Cécile Le Lann
- University of RennesCNRSECOBIO [(Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution)] ‐ UMR Rennes France
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6
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Leybourne DJ, Preedy KF, Valentine TA, Bos JIB, Karley AJ. Drought has negative consequences on aphid fitness and plant vigor: Insights from a meta-analysis. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11915-11929. [PMID: 34522350 PMCID: PMC8427572 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are abundant in natural and managed vegetation, supporting a diverse community of organisms and causing damage to agricultural crops. Due to a changing climate, periods of drought are anticipated to increase, and the potential consequences of this for aphid-plant interactions are unclear.Using a meta-analysis and synthesis approach, we aimed to advance understanding of how increased drought incidence will affect this ecologically and economically important insect group and to characterize any potential underlying mechanisms. We used qualitative and quantitative synthesis techniques to determine whether drought stress has a negative, positive, or null effect on aphid fitness and examined these effects in relation to (a) aphid biology, (b) geographical region, and (c) host plant biology.Across all studies, aphid fitness is typically reduced under drought. Subgroup analysis detected no difference in relation to aphid biology, geographical region, or the aphid-plant combination, indicating the negative effect of drought on aphids is potentially universal. Furthermore, drought stress had a negative impact on plant vigor and increased plant concentrations of defensive chemicals, suggesting the observed response of aphids is associated with reduced plant vigor and increased chemical defense in drought-stressed plants.We propose a conceptual model to predict drought effects on aphid fitness in relation to plant vigor and defense to stimulate further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Leybourne
- Division of Plant SciencesSchool of Life ScienceDundee UniversityDundeeUK
- Ecological Sciences DepartmentThe James Hutton InstituteDundeeUK
- Cell and Molecular Sciences DepartmentThe James Hutton InstituteDundeeUK
| | | | | | - Jorunn I. B. Bos
- Division of Plant SciencesSchool of Life ScienceDundee UniversityDundeeUK
- Cell and Molecular Sciences DepartmentThe James Hutton InstituteDundeeUK
| | - Alison J. Karley
- Ecological Sciences DepartmentThe James Hutton InstituteDundeeUK
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7
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Saqib HSA, Liang P, You M, Gurr GM. Molecular gut content analysis indicates the inter- and intra-guild predation patterns of spiders in conventionally managed vegetable fields. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9543-9552. [PMID: 34306641 PMCID: PMC8293772 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inter- and intra-guild interactions are important in the coexistence of predators and their prey, especially in highly disturbed vegetable cropping systems with sporadic food resources. Assessing the dietary range of a predator taxon characterized by diverse foraging behavior using conventional approaches, such as visual observation and conventional molecular approaches for prey detection, has serious logistical problems. In this study, we assessed the prey compositions and compare the dietary spectrum of a functionally diverge group of predators-spiders-to characterize their trophic interactions and assess biological control potential in Brassica vegetable fields. We used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and biotic interaction networks to precisely annotate the predation spectrum and highlight the predator-predator and predator-prey interactions. The prey taxa in the gut of all spider families were mainly enriched with insects (including dipterans, coleopterans, orthopterans, hemipterans, and lepidopterans) with lower proportions of arachnids (such as Araneae) along with a wide range of other prey factions. Despite the generalist foraging behavior of spiders, the community structure analysis and interaction networks highlighted the overrepresentation of particular prey taxa in the gut of each spider family, as well as showing the extent of interfamily predation by spiders. Identifying the diverse trophic niche proportions underpins the importance of spiders as predators of pests in highly disturbed agroecosystems. More specifically, combining HTS with advanced ecological community analysis reveals the preferences and biological control potential of particular spider taxa (such as Salticidae against lepidopterans and Pisauridae against dipterans), and so provides a valuable evidence base for targeted conservation biological control efforts in complex trophic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed Saqib
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan CropsFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest ControlMinistry of EducationFuzhouChina
- Institute of Applied EcologyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Pingping Liang
- College of the Environment and EcologyXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan CropsFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest ControlMinistry of EducationFuzhouChina
- Institute of Applied EcologyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian‐Taiwan CropsMinistry of AgricultureFuzhouChina
| | - Geoff M. Gurr
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan CropsFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest ControlMinistry of EducationFuzhouChina
- Institute of Applied EcologyFujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhouChina
- Graham CentreCharles Sturt UniversityOrangeNSWAustralia
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8
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Manfrino RG, Castrillo LA, López Lastra CC, Toledo AV, Ferrari W, Jensen AB. Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Entomophthorales (Entomophthoromycota: Entomophthoromycotina) from Argentina. ACTA MYCOLOGICA 2020. [DOI: 10.5586/am.5522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized 17 insect-pathogenic entomophthoralean fungal isolates (Entomophthoromycotina: Entomophthorales) using morphological and molecular techniques. We identified four species from various insect hosts: (<strong><em>i</em></strong>) <em>Entomophthora planchoniana</em>, six specimens from aphids; (<strong><em>ii</em></strong>) <em>Pandora </em><em>neoaphidis</em>, three specimens from aphids; (<strong><em>iii</em></strong>) <em>Zoophthora phalloides </em>from an aphid; and (<strong><em>iv</em></strong>) <em>Z. radicans</em>, seven specimens from insects in the orders Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera. Analysis of ITS1 data from <em>E. planchoniana </em>showed clustering in accordance to aphid host species. <em>Entomophthora planchoniana </em>from <em>Macrosiphum</em><em> </em><em>euphorbiae </em>clustered together, separate from the isolate from <em>Myzus persicae</em>. The <em>P.</em><em> </em><em>neoaphidis </em>specimens clustered with sequences from other aphid-pathogenic <em>Pandora </em>species in GenBank. In this study, <em>Z. phalloides </em>from <em>Brevicoryne brassicae </em>and <em>Z. radicans </em>from an unidentified species of Chironomidae (Diptera) in Argentina were characterized for the first time. The present study was initiated to elucidate the taxonomy of the entomophthoralean fungi in Argentina according to their morphological and molecular characters. The presented results emphasize the significance of the combination of molecular data and information on morphology, ecology, and host range for accurate identification of entomophthoralean and allied genera.
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9
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Čkrkić J, Petrović A, Kocić K, Mitrović M, Kavallieratos NG, van Achterberg C, Hebert PDN, Tomanović Ž. Phylogeny of the Subtribe Monoctonina (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11030160. [PMID: 32121620 PMCID: PMC7143268 DOI: 10.3390/insects11030160] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Monoctonina subtribe have long been neglected in applied studies of the subfamily Aphidiinae, due to their low economic importance, as they do not parasitize pests of cultivated plants. Consequently, data about this group are scarce, including its taxonomy and phylogeny. In the present study, we explore inter- and intraspecific genetic variation of Monoctonina species, including genera Monoctonus Haliday 1833, Monoctonia Starý 1962, Falciconus Mackauer 1959 and Harkeria Cameron 1900. We employ two molecular markers, the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the D2 region of the 28S nuclear gene (28S rDNA), to analyze genetic structuring and phylogeny of all available Monoctonina species, and combine them with morphological data for an integrative approach. We report one new species, and three potentially new species which can be formally described when further specimens are available. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships within the subtribe shows a basal position for the genera Falciconus and Monoctonia, and the close relatedness of Harkeria and Monoctonus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelisaveta Čkrkić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.P.); (K.K.); (Ž.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andjeljko Petrović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.P.); (K.K.); (Ž.T.)
| | - Korana Kocić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.P.); (K.K.); (Ž.T.)
| | - Milana Mitrović
- Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Department of Plant Pests, Banatska 33, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Nickolas G. Kavallieratos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos str., 11885 Athens, Attica, Greece;
| | | | - Paul D. N. Hebert
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Željko Tomanović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.P.); (K.K.); (Ž.T.)
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10
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Interspecific competition among aphid parasitoids: molecular approaches reveal preferential exploitation of parasitized hosts. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19641. [PMID: 31873169 PMCID: PMC6928038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
When a guild of species exploit the same limited resources, interspecific competition induces the exclusion of inferior competitors, in which case, interspecific recognition mechanisms are needed. Here, we address resource partitioning and interspecific competition among three main solitary parasitoid species attacking the same host resource, the aphid Sitobion avenae in wheat fields. Optimal host acceptance models predict that parasitoid species should prefer attacking unparasitized hosts when they are available in order to maximize their fitness, as already parasitized hosts are less valuable for laying eggs, especially for inferior competitors. Therefore, we expected the level of competition (multiparasitism) in the field to increase at low host density. By using a combination of taxonomical (determination) and molecular (PCR-based) approaches, we assessed the species of all parasitoid adults and immature stages within aphid hosts. Our results demonstrate that, early in the season, the multiparasitism rates were low, whereas they were high in the mid-late season, corresponding to an aphid density decrease over time. Moreover, parasitoid species could not have been exploiting host resources randomly and the better competitor, Aphidius ervi, seemed to be foraging preferentially on hosts already parasitized by the inferior competitor A. rhopalosiphi, even when unparasitized hosts were still available. This could be due to differences in their host detection capability, as species with a narrow host range may be better at detecting their hosts in comparison with species with a greater host range, such as A. ervi, with a greater host range within the guild. Our study suggests differences in the host exploitation of two prevalent parasitoid species through the main period of aphid colonization, which still allowed the coexistence of a third inferior competitor (A. rhopalosiphi) within the assemblage, in spite of some negative interactions (multiparasitism) and redundancies.
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11
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Derocles SA, Navasse Y, Buchard C, Plantegenest M, Le Ralec A. "Generalist" Aphid Parasitoids Behave as Specialists at the Agroecosystem Scale. INSECTS 2019; 11:E6. [PMID: 31861737 PMCID: PMC7023390 DOI: 10.3390/insects11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The degree of trophic specialization of interacting organisms impacts on the structure of ecological networks and has consequences for the regulation of crop pests. However, it remains difficult to assess in the case of parasitoids. Host ranges are often established by listing host records from various years and geographic areas in the literature. Here, we compared the actual hosts exploited at a local farm-scale by aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae), to the available species listed as hosts for each parasitoid species. We sampled aphids and their parasitoids in cultivated and uncultivated areas in an experimental farm from April to November 2014 and thereafter used DNA-based data to determine whether a differentiation in sequences existed. Twenty-nine parasitoid species were found on 47 potential aphid hosts. Our results showed that the great majority of the parasitoid tested used fewer host species than expected according to data published in the literature and parasitized a limited number of hosts even when other potential hosts were available in the environment. Moreover, individuals of the most generalist species differed in their DNA sequences, according to the aphid species and/or the host plant species. At a local scale, only obligate or facultative specialist aphid parasitoids were detected. Local specialization has to be considered when implementing the use of such parasitoids in pest regulation within agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane A.P. Derocles
- IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, Université Bretagne-Loire, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Yoann Navasse
- IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, Université Bretagne-Loire, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Christelle Buchard
- IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, 35650 Le Rheu, France
| | - Manuel Plantegenest
- IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, Université Bretagne-Loire, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Anne Le Ralec
- IGEPP, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Université de Rennes 1, Université Bretagne-Loire, 35000 Rennes, France
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12
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Zhu YL, Yang F, Yao ZW, Wu YK, Liu B, Yuan HB, Lu YH. A molecular detection approach for a cotton aphid-parasitoid complex in northern China. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15836. [PMID: 31676842 PMCID: PMC6825200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aphid-parasitoid interactions have been widely used as a model system in research studies on the structure and functions of arthropod food web. Research on aphid-parasitoid food webs is hindered by their micromorphological characteristics and the high amount of labor associated with their development. Species-specific primers for cotton aphids and their parasitoids were designed and integrated into two multiplex PCRs and six singleplex PCRs, and all PCRs were optimized to achieve high specificity and sensitivity (100-10,000 DNA copies). One cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) as well as three primary parasitoid and seven hyperparasitoid species or genera were detected using this molecular approach. This group comprises all the primary parasitoids and 97.2-99.6% of the hyperparasitoids reported in cotton fields in northern China. A tritrophic aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food web was then established. The described method constitutes an efficient tool for quantitatively describing the aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs and assessing the efficiency of the biological control of parasitoids in cotton fields in northern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yue-Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hai-Bin Yuan
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yan-Hui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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13
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Hall AAG, Johnson SN, Cook JM, Riegler M. High nymphal host density and mortality negatively impact parasitoid complex during an insect herbivore outbreak. INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 26:351-365. [PMID: 28842961 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Insect herbivore outbreaks frequently occur and this may be due to factors that restrict top-down control by parasitoids, for example, host-parasitoid asynchrony, hyperparasitization, resource limitation and climate. Few studies have examined host-parasitoid density relationships during an insect herbivore outbreak in a natural ecosystem with diverse parasitoids. We studied parasitization patterns of Cardiaspina psyllids during an outbreak in a Eucalyptus woodland. First, we established the trophic roles of the parasitoids through a species-specific multiplex PCR approach on mummies from which parasitoids emerged. Then, we assessed host-parasitoid density relationships across three spatial scales (leaf, tree and site) over one year. We detected four endoparasitoid species of the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera); two primary parasitoid and one heteronomous hyperparasitoid Psyllaephagus species (the latter with female development as a primary parasitoid and male development as a hyperparasitoid), and the hyperparasitoid Coccidoctonus psyllae. Parasitoid development was host-synchronized, although synchrony between sites appeared constrained during winter (due to temperature differences). Parasitization was predominantly driven by one primary parasitoid species and was mostly inversely host-density dependent across the spatial scales. Hyperparasitization by C. psyllae was psyllid-density dependent at the site scale, however, this only impacted the rarer primary parasitoid. High larval parasitoid mortality due to density-dependent nymphal psyllid mortality (a consequence of resource limitation) compounded by a summer heat wave was incorporated in the assessment and resulted in density independence of host-parasitoid relationships. As such, high larval parasitoid mortality during insect herbivore outbreaks may contribute to the absence of host density-dependent parasitization during outbreak events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan A G Hall
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott N Johnson
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | - James M Cook
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | - Markus Riegler
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
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14
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Derocles SAP, Lunt DH, Berthe SCF, Nichols PC, Moss ED, Evans DM. Climate warming alters the structure of farmland tritrophic ecological networks and reduces crop yield. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:4931-4946. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephane A. P. Derocles
- INRA; UMR 1347 Agroécologie; Dijon France
- School of Environmental Sciences; University of Hull; Hull UK
| | - David H. Lunt
- School of Environmental Sciences; University of Hull; Hull UK
| | | | - Paul C. Nichols
- School of Environmental Sciences; University of Hull; Hull UK
| | - Ellen D. Moss
- School of Environmental Sciences; University of Hull; Hull UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Darren M. Evans
- School of Environmental Sciences; University of Hull; Hull UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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15
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Li J, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Li H, Pan H, Lu W, Wang D, Zhang J, Lu Y. Aphid parasitism and parasitoid diversity in cotton fields in Xinjiang, China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207034. [PMID: 30408098 PMCID: PMC6224085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are major pests of cotton crops in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, and parasitoids are considered as important natural enemies in regulating aphid populations. However, information on aphid parasitoids in the Xinjiang cotton fields is limited, which hinders the study of aphid-parasitoid interactions and the application of conservation biological control against cotton aphids. In this study, a 3-year survey was conducted in a large geographical range that included three primary cotton planting areas in southern and northern Xinjiang. The population dynamics and the parasitism levels of an assemblage of aphids in the cotton fields were investigated along with the composition of the parasitoid community associated with these aphids. Aphid parasitization varied significantly within both years and seasons, with parasitism levels ranging from 0 to 26%, indicating that there is less effective biological control of parasitoids on aphids under field conditions. Among the primary parasitoids described, Binodoxys communis (Gahan) constituted 95.19% of the parasitoid species, followed by Praon barbatum Mackauer (3.15%), Trioxys asiaticus Telenga (1.01%) and Lysiphlebus fabarum Marshall (0.65%). Significant differences were found in the composition of the primary parasitoid species between the cotton seedling period (June) and the flowering period (July-August), and two more primary aphid parasitoids were found in the seedling period. Twelve hyperparasitoid species belonging to six genera were found in our study, of which Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché), Syrphophagus species and Dendrocerus laticeps (Hedicke) were the dominant species. The composition of the hyperparasitoid community also differed significantly between the seedling and the flowering periods. The description of this parasitoid community-associated assemblage of aphids in cotton fields will facilitate the study of aphid-parasitoid interactions and promote the development of effective cotton aphid management strategies in Xinjiang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Li
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization/Key Laboratory at Universities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resource Utilization, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuekun Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqiang Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Hongsheng Pan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization/Key Laboratory at Universities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resource Utilization, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yanhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Loxdale HD. Aspects, Including Pitfalls, of Temporal Sampling of Flying Insects, with Special Reference to Aphids. INSECTS 2018; 9:E153. [PMID: 30388726 PMCID: PMC6316496 DOI: 10.3390/insects9040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the advent and widespread use of high-resolution molecular markers in the late 1970s, it is now well established that natural populations of insects are not necessarily homogeneous genetically and show variations at different spatial scales due to a variety of reasons, including hybridization/introgression events. In a similar vein, populations of insects are not necessarily homogenous in time, either over the course of seasons or even within a single season. This of course has profound consequences for surveys examining, for whatever reason/s, the temporal population patterns of insects, especially flying insects as mostly discussed here. In the present article, the topics covered include climate and climate change; changes in ecological niches due to changes in available hosts, i.e., essentially, adaptation events; hybridization influencing behaviour⁻host shifts; infection by pathogens and parasites/parasitoids; habituation to light, sound and pheromone lures; chromosomal/genetic changes affecting physiology and behaviour; and insecticide resistance. If such phenomena-i.e., aspects and pitfalls-are not considered during spatio-temporal study programmes, which is even more true in the light of the recent discovery of morphologically similar/identical cryptic species, then the conclusions drawn in terms of the efforts to combat pest insects or conserve rare and endangered species may be in error and hence end in failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh D Loxdale
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK.
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17
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Gariepy TD, Bruin A, Konopka J, Scott‐Dupree C, Fraser H, Bon M, Talamas E. A modified
DNA
barcode approach to define trophic interactions between native and exotic pentatomids and their parasitoids. Mol Ecol 2018; 28:456-470. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara D. Gariepy
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada London Research and Development Centre London Ontario Canada
| | - Allison Bruin
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada London Research and Development Centre London Ontario Canada
| | - Joanna Konopka
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada London Research and Development Centre London Ontario Canada
| | | | - Hannah Fraser
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Guelph Ontario Canada
| | - Marie‐Claude Bon
- USDA‐ARS European Biological Control Lab Campus International de Baillarguet St. Gely du Fesc France
| | - Elijah Talamas
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry Gainsville Florida
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18
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Ye Z, Vollhardt IMG, Parth N, Rubbmark O, Traugott M. Facultative bacterial endosymbionts shape parasitoid food webs in natural host populations: A correlative analysis. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:1440-1451. [PMID: 29928757 PMCID: PMC6099228 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Facultative bacterial endosymbionts can protect their aphid hosts from natural enemies such as hymenopteran parasitoids. As such, they have the capability to modulate interactions between aphids, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. However, the magnitude of these effects in natural aphid populations and their associated parasitoid communities is currently unknown. Moreover, environmental factors such as plant fertilization and landscape complexity are known to affect aphid–parasitoid interactions but it remains unclear how such environmental factors affect the interplay between aphids, parasitoids and endosymbionts. Here, we tested whether facultative endosymbionts confer protection to parasitoids in natural populations of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, and if this is affected by plant fertilization and landscape complexity. Furthermore, we examined whether the effects of facultative endosymbionts can cascade up to the hyperparasitoid level and increase primary‐hyperparasitoid food web specialization. Living aphids and mummies were collected in fertilized and unfertilized plots within 13 wheat fields in Central Germany. We assessed the occurrence of primary parasitoid, hyperparasitoid and endosymbiont species in aphids and mummies using a newly established molecular approach. Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were high across fields (~80%), independent of whether aphids were parasitized or unparasitized. Aphid mummies exhibited a significantly lower share of facultative endosymbiont infection (~38%). These findings suggest that facultative endosymbionts do not affect parasitoid oviposition behaviour, but decrease parasitoid survival in the host. Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were lower in mummies collected from fertilized compared to unfertilized plants, indicating that plant fertilization boosts the facultative endosymbiont protective effect. Furthermore, we found strong evidence for species‐specific and negative cascading effects of facultative endosymbionts on primary and hyperparasitoids, respectively. Facultative endosymbionts impacted parasitoid assemblages and increased the specialization of primary‐hyperparasitoid food webs: these effects were independent from and much stronger than other environmental factors. The current findings strongly suggest that facultative endosymbionts act as a driving force in aphid–parasitoid–hyperparasitoid networks: they shape insect community composition at different trophic levels and modulate, directly and indirectly, the interactions between aphids, parasitoids and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpei Ye
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ines M G Vollhardt
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nadia Parth
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Oskar Rubbmark
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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19
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Kitson JJN, Hahn C, Sands RJ, Straw NA, Evans DM, Lunt DH. Detecting host–parasitoid interactions in an invasive Lepidopteran using nested tagging DNA metabarcoding. Mol Ecol 2018; 28:471-483. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James J. N. Kitson
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Evolutionary and Environmental Genomics Group School of Environmental Sciences University of Hull Hull UK
| | - Christoph Hahn
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
- Institute of Zoology Karl‐Franzens‐Universität Graz Austria
| | - Richard J. Sands
- Forest Research Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity Farnham UK
- Centre for Biological Sciences Highfield Campus The University of Southampton Southampton UK
| | - Nigel A. Straw
- Forest Research Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity Farnham UK
| | - Darren M. Evans
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - David H. Lunt
- Evolutionary and Environmental Genomics Group School of Environmental Sciences University of Hull Hull UK
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20
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Biomonitoring for the 21st Century: Integrating Next-Generation Sequencing Into Ecological Network Analysis. ADV ECOL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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21
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Outreman Y, Andrade TO, Louâpre P, Krespi L, Violle C, Baaren J. Multi‐scale and antagonist selection on life‐history traits in parasitoids: A community ecology perspective. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Outreman
- IGEPPAgrocampus OuestINRAUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
| | - Thiago Oliveira Andrade
- IGEPPAgrocampus OuestINRAUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
- ECOBIOCNRSUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
| | - Philippe Louâpre
- UMR CNRS 6282 BIOGEOSCIENCESUniversité Bourgogne Franche‐Comté Dijon France
| | - Liliane Krespi
- IGEPPAgrocampus OuestINRAUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFEUMR 5175CNRS – Université de Montpellier – Université Paul‐Valéry Montpellier – EPHE – 1919 route de Mende Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Joan Baaren
- ECOBIOCNRSUniversité de Rennes 1Université Bretagne‐Loire Rennes France
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22
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Species composition and seasonal dynamics of aphid parasitoids and hyperparasitoids in wheat fields in northern China. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13989. [PMID: 29070808 PMCID: PMC5656665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoids are important natural enemies of aphids in wheat fields of northern China, and interest in them has increased in recent years. However, little is known regarding parasitoids of wheat aphids, which has hindered the study and understanding of aphid-parasitoid interactions. In the present study, three primary parasitoids and 15 hyperparasitoids were collected in wheat fields during a 2-year survey in northern China (2014, 2015) and a 2-year investigation at Langfang, Hebei Province (2015, 2016). Among them, Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetski was found most frequently among the primary parasitoids, while Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) dominated the hyperparasitoid community. Investigation of the dynamics of wheat aphids and parasitoids revealed that the primary parasitoids appeared early in the growing period and that the hyperparasitoids appeared later. Analysis of the seasonal dynamics revealed that growth of the parasitoid population followed that of the aphid population and that the parasitism rates were highest in the late growing period.
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23
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Lefort MC, Wratten S, Cusumano A, Varennes YD, Boyer S. Disentangling higher trophic level interactions in the cabbage aphid food web using high-throughput DNA sequencing. METABARCODING AND METAGENOMICS 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/mbmg.1.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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24
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Molecular Tools for the Detection and the Identification of Hymenoptera Parasitoids in Tortricid Fruit Pests. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102031. [PMID: 28937594 PMCID: PMC5666713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological control requires specific tools for the accurate detection and identification of natural enemies in order to estimate variations in their abundance and their impact according to changes in environmental conditions or agricultural practices. Here, we developed two molecular methods of detection based on PCR-RFLP with universal primers and on PCR with specific primers to identify commonly occurring larval parasitoids of the tortricid fruit pests and to estimate parasitism in the codling moth. Both methods were designed based on DNA sequences of the COI mitochondrial gene for a range of parasitoids that emerged from Cydia pomonella and Grapholitamolesta caterpillars (102 parasitoids; nine species) and a range of potential tortricid hosts (40 moths; five species) damaging fruits. The PCR-RFLP method (digestion by AluI of a 482 bp COI fragment) was very powerful to identify parasitoid adults and their hosts, but failed to detect parasitoid larvae within eggs or within young C. pomonella caterpillars. The PCR method based on specific primers amplified COI fragments of different lengths (131 to 463 bp) for Ascogaster quadridentata (Braconidae); Pristomerusvulnerator (Ichneumonidae); Trichomma enecator (Ichneumonidae); and Perilampus tristis (Perilampidae), and demonstrated a higher level of sensibility than the PCR-RFLP method. Molecular estimations of parasitism levels in a natural C. pomonella population with the specific primers did not differ from traditional estimations based on caterpillar rearing (about 60% parasitism in a non-treated apple orchard). These PCR-based techniques provide information about within-host parasitoid assemblage in the codling moth and preliminary results on the larval parasitism of major tortricid fruit pests.
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25
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Yang F, Wu YK, Xu L, Wang Q, Yao ZW, Žikić V, Tomanović Ž, Ferrer-Suay M, Selfa J, Pujade-Villar J, Lu YH, Guo YY. Species composition and richness of aphid parasitoid wasps in cotton fields in northern China. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9799. [PMID: 28852186 PMCID: PMC5575071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a serious pest of cotton across the globe, particularly in the cotton agroecosystems of northern China. Parasitic wasps are deemed to be important natural enemies of A. gossypii, but limited information exists about their species composition, richness and seasonal dynamics in northern China. In this study, we combine sampling over a broad geographical area with intensive field trials over the course of three cropping seasons to describe parasitoid-hyperparasitoid communities in cotton crops. We delineate a speciose complex of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with A. gossypii. Over 90% of the primary parasitoids were Binodoxys communis. Syrphophagus sp. and Pachyneuron aphidis made up most of the hyperparasitoids. Parasitism rates changed in a similar way following the fluctuation of the aphid population. Early in the growing period, there were more hyperparasitoids, while later, the primary parasitoids provided control of A. gossypii. The first systematic report of this cotton aphid parasitoid complex and their population dynamics in association with their hosts presented a comprehensive assessment of cotton parasitoid species and provided important information for the establishment and promotion of their biological control of cotton aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yue-Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Vladimir Žikić
- Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Željko Tomanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Entomology, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Mar Ferrer-Suay
- Universitat de València, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Departament de Zoologia, València, 46100, Spain
| | - Jesús Selfa
- Universitat de València, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Departament de Zoologia, València, 46100, Spain
| | - Juli Pujade-Villar
- Universitat de Barcelona, Facultat de Biologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Avda. Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yan-Hui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Yu-Yuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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26
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Ye Z, Vollhardt IMG, Girtler S, Wallinger C, Tomanovic Z, Traugott M. An effective molecular approach for assessing cereal aphid-parasitoid-endosymbiont networks. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3138. [PMID: 28600542 PMCID: PMC5466676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular approaches are increasingly being used to analyse host-parasitoid food webs as they overcome several hurdles inherent to conventional approaches. However, such studies have focused primarily on the detection and identification of aphids and their aphidiid primary parasitoids, largely ignoring primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid interactions or limiting these to a few common species within a small geographical area. Furthermore, the detection of bacterial secondary endosymbionts has not been considered in such assays despite the fact that endosymbionts may alter aphid-parasitoid interactions, as they can confer protection against parasitoids. Here we present a novel two-step multiplex PCR (MP-PCR) protocol to assess cereal aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid-endosymbiont interactions. The first step of the assay allows detection of parasitoid DNA at a general level (24 primary and 16 hyperparasitoid species) as well as the species-specific detection of endosymbionts (3 species) and cereal aphids (3 species). The second step of the MP-PCR assay targets seven primary and six hyperparasitoid species that commonly occur in Central Europe. Additional parasitoid species not covered by the second-step of the assay can be identified via sequencing 16S rRNA amplicons generated in the first step of the assay. The approach presented here provides an efficient, highly sensitive, and cost-effective (~consumable costs of 1.3 € per sample) tool for assessing cereal aphid-parasitoid-endosymbiont interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpei Ye
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Ines M G Vollhardt
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Girtler
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Corinna Wallinger
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zeljko Tomanovic
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Ye Z, Vollhardt IMG, Tomanovic Z, Traugott M. Evaluation of three molecular markers for identification of European primary parasitoids of cereal aphids and their hyperparasitoids. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177376. [PMID: 28562603 PMCID: PMC5451020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are major pests of cereal crops and a suite of hymenopteran primary parasitoids play an important role in regulating their populations. However, hyperparasitoids may disrupt the biocontrol services provided by primary parasitoids. As such, understanding cereal aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid interactions is vital for a reliable parasitoid-based control of cereal aphids. For this, the ability to identify the different primary and hyperparasitoid species is necessary. Unfortunately, this is often difficult due to a lack of morphologically diagnostic features. DNA sequence-based species identification of parasitoids can overcome these hurdles. However, comprehensive DNA sequence information is lacking for many of these groups, particularly for hyperparasitoids. Here we evaluate three genes [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S)] for their suitability to identify 24 species of primary parasitoids and 16 species of hyperparasitoids associated with European cereal aphids. To identify aphelinid primary parasitoid species and hyperparasitoids, we found 16S to be more suitable compared to COI sequences. In contrast, the Aphidiinae are best identified using COI due to better species-level resolution and a more comprehensive DNA sequence database compared to 16S. The 18S gene was better suited for group-specific identification of parasitoids, but did not provide resolution at the species level. Our results provide a DNA sequence database for cereal aphid primary parasitoids and their associated hyperparasitoids in Central Europe, which will allow further improvement of our understanding of cereal aphid-primary parasitoid-hyperparasitoid interactions in relation to aphid biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengpei Ye
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Ines M. G. Vollhardt
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Zeljko Tomanovic
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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28
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Kamenova S, Bartley T, Bohan D, Boutain J, Colautti R, Domaizon I, Fontaine C, Lemainque A, Le Viol I, Mollot G, Perga ME, Ravigné V, Massol F. Invasions Toolkit. ADV ECOL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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29
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Broad GR, Shaw MR, Godfray HCJ. Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Braconidae. Biodivers Data J 2016; 4:e8151. [PMID: 27226759 PMCID: PMC4867695 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.4.e8151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The checklist of British and Irish Braconidae is revised, based in large part on the collections of the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, and the Natural History Museum, London. Distribution records are provided at the country level together with extensive synonymy and bibliography. NEW INFORMATION Of the 1,338 species regarded as valid, presumed native and certainly identified, 83 are here recorded for the first time from the British Isles. One new synonym is established (Dyscritus suffolciensis Morley, 1933 = Syntretus splendidus (Marshall, 1887) syn. nov.).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark R. Shaw
- National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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30
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Liang GH, Jang EB, Heller WP, Chang CL, Chen JH, Zhang FP, Geib SM. A qPCR-based method for detecting parasitism of Fopius arisanus (Sonan) in oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2015; 71:1666-1674. [PMID: 25641860 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitism detection and species identification are necessary in fruit fly biological control. Currently, release of mass-reared Fopius arisanus is practiced worldwide, as it is effective in controlling Bactrocera dorsalis and Ceratitis capitata. To detect and assess parasitism in parasitoid mass-rearing colonies and parasitism levels in field populations across all life stages of hosts, the development of a rapid, specific and sensitive method is important. RESULTS A species-specific probe was designed for F. arisanus, as well as a universal tephritid probe. Utilizing rapid DNA extraction techniques coupled with quantitative-PCR, a simple and fast assay has been developed to detect parasitism of F. arisanus that is sensitive enough to detect the parasitoid across all developmental stages, including a single egg per host egg or 0.25 ng of parasitoid DNA in 40 ng of host DNA. The qPCR methods also detect a higher parasitism rate when compared with rearing-based methods where parasitism rate is based on wasp emergence and where unemerged wasps are not included. CONCLUSION This method is a rapid, sensitive and specific technique to determine the parasitism rate of F. arisanus across all life stages of B. dorsalis, which will be useful to predict parasitoid output from mass rearing and evaluate the outcome of pest suppression after mass release in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Hong Liang
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, College of Forestry, Fuzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Jia Hua Chen
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, College of Plant Protection, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Ping Zhang
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, College of Forestry, Fuzhou, China
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31
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Sint D, Traugott M. Food Web Designer: a flexible tool to visualize interaction networks. JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2015; 89:1-5. [PMID: 26924955 PMCID: PMC4757606 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-015-0686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Species are embedded in complex networks of ecological interactions and assessing these networks provides a powerful approach to understand what the consequences of these interactions are for ecosystem functioning and services. This is mandatory to develop and evaluate strategies for the management and control of pests. Graphical representations of networks can help recognize patterns that might be overlooked otherwise. However, there is a lack of software which allows visualizing these complex interaction networks. Food Web Designer is a stand-alone, highly flexible and user friendly software tool to quantitatively visualize trophic and other types of bipartite and tripartite interaction networks. It is offered free of charge for use on Microsoft Windows platforms. Food Web Designer is easy to use without the need to learn a specific syntax due to its graphical user interface. Up to three (trophic) levels can be connected using links cascading from or pointing towards the taxa within each level to illustrate top-down and bottom-up connections. Link width/strength and abundance of taxa can be quantified, allowing generating fully quantitative networks. Network datasets can be imported, saved for later adjustment and the interaction webs can be exported as pictures for graphical display in different file formats. We show how Food Web Designer can be used to draw predator-prey and host-parasitoid food webs, demonstrating that this software is a simple and straightforward tool to graphically display interaction networks for assessing pest control or any other type of interaction in both managed and natural ecosystems from an ecological network perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sint
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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32
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Derocles SAP, Evans DM, Nichols PC, Evans SA, Lunt DH. Determining plant-leaf miner-parasitoid interactions: a DNA barcoding approach. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117872. [PMID: 25710377 PMCID: PMC4339730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in network ecology is to describe the full-range of species interactions in a community to create highly-resolved food-webs. We developed a molecular approach based on DNA full barcoding and mini-barcoding to describe difficult to observe plant – leaf miner – parasitoid interactions, consisting of animals commonly regarded as agricultural pests and their natural enemies. We tested the ability of universal primers to amplify the remaining DNA inside leaf miner mines after the emergence of the insect. We compared the results of a) morphological identification of adult specimens; b) identification based on the shape of the mines; c) the COI Mini-barcode (130 bp) and d) the COI full barcode (658 bp) fragments to accurately identify the leaf-miner species. We used the molecular approach to build and analyse a tri-partite ecological network of plant – leaf miner – parasitoid interactions. We were able to detect the DNA of leaf-mining insects within their feeding mines on a range of host plants using mini-barcoding primers: 6% for the leaves collected empty and 33% success after we observed the emergence of the leaf miner. We suggest that the low amplification success of leaf mines collected empty was mainly due to the time since the adult emerged and discuss methodological improvements. Nevertheless our approach provided new species-interaction data for the ecological network. We found that the 130 bp fragment is variable enough to identify all the species included in this study. Both COI fragments reveal that some leaf miner species could be composed of cryptic species. The network built using the molecular approach was more accurate in describing tri-partite interactions compared with traditional approaches based on morphological criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane A. P. Derocles
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Darren M. Evans
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Paul C. Nichols
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - S. Aifionn Evans
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - David H. Lunt
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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33
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Derocles SAP, Le Ralec A, Besson MM, Maret M, Walton A, Evans DM, Plantegenest M. Molecular analysis reveals high compartmentalization in aphid-primary parasitoid networks and low parasitoid sharing between crop and noncrop habitats. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:3900-11. [PMID: 24612360 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ecosystem service of insect pest regulation by natural enemies, such as primary parasitoids, may be enhanced by the presence of uncultivated, semi-natural habitats within agro-ecosystems, although quantifying such host-parasitoid interactions is difficult. Here, we use rRNA 16S gene sequencing to assess both the level of parasitism by Aphidiinae primary parasitoids and parasitoid identity on a large sample of aphids collected in cultivated and uncultivated agricultural habitats in Western France. We used these data to construct ecological networks to assess the level of compartmentalization between aphid and parasitoid food webs of cultivated and uncultivated habitats. We evaluated the extent to which uncultivated margins provided a resource for parasitoids shared between pest and nonpest aphids. We compared the observed quantitative ecological network described by our molecular approach to an empirical qualitative network based on aphid-parasitoid interactions from traditional rearing data found in the literature. We found that the molecular network was highly compartmentalized and that parasitoid sharing is relatively rare between aphids, especially between crop and noncrop compartments. Moreover, the few cases of putative shared generalist parasitoids were questionable and could be due to the lack of discrimination of cryptic species or from intraspecific host specialization. Our results suggest that apparent competition mediated by Aphidiinae parasitoids is probably rare in agricultural areas and that the contribution of field margins as a source of these biocontrol agents is much more limited than expected. Further large-scale (spatial and temporal) studies on other crops and noncrop habitats are needed to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane A P Derocles
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1349 IGEPP, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35 042, Rennes Cedex, France; School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
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34
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Varennes YD, Boyer S, Wratten SD. Un-nesting DNA Russian dolls - the potential for constructing food webs using residual DNA in empty aphid mummies. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:3925-33. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y.-D. Varennes
- Bio-Protection Research Centre; Lincoln University; PO Box 85084 Lincoln 7647 New Zealand
| | - S. Boyer
- Bio-Protection Research Centre; Lincoln University; PO Box 85084 Lincoln 7647 New Zealand
- Department of Ecology; Lincoln University; PO Box 85084 Lincoln 7647 New Zealand
| | - S. D. Wratten
- Bio-Protection Research Centre; Lincoln University; PO Box 85084 Lincoln 7647 New Zealand
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35
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Gariepy TD, Haye T, Zhang J. A molecular diagnostic tool for the preliminary assessment of host-parasitoid associations in biological control programmes for a new invasive pest. Mol Ecol 2013; 23:3912-24. [PMID: 24102670 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of host-parasitoid associations can be tenuous using conventional methods. Molecular techniques are well placed to identify trophic links and resolve host-parasitoid associations. Establishment of the highly invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), outside Asia has prompted interest in the use of egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) as biological control agents. However, little is known regarding their host ranges. To address this, a DNA barcoding approach was taken wherein general PCR primers for Scelionidae and Pentatomidae were developed to amplify and sequence >500-bp products within the DNA barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene that would permit the identification of key players in this association. Amplification of DNA from Pentatomidae and Scelionidae was consistent across a broad range of taxa within these families, and permitted the detection of Scelionidae eggs within H. halys 1 h following oviposition. In laboratory assays, amplification and sequencing of DNA from empty, parasitized eggs was successful for both host (100% success) and parasitoid (50% success). When applied to field-collected, empty egg masses, the primers permitted host identification in 50-100% of the eggs analysed, and yielded species-level identifications. Parasitoid identification success ranged from 33 to 67% among field-collected eggs, with genus-level identification for most specimens. The inability to obtain species-level identities for these individuals is due to the lack of coverage of this taxonomic group in public DNA sequence databases; this situation is likely to improve as more species are sequenced and recorded in these databases. These primers were able to detect and identify both pentatomid host and scelionid parasitoid in a hyperparasitized egg mass, thereby clarifying trophic links otherwise unresolved by conventional methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Gariepy
- Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, Ontario, Canada, N5V 4T3
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36
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Piñol J, San Andrés V, Clare EL, Mir G, Symondson WOC. A pragmatic approach to the analysis of diets of generalist predators: the use of next-generation sequencing with no blocking probes. Mol Ecol Resour 2013; 14:18-26. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Piñol
- Univ. Autònoma Barcelona; Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193 Spain
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193 Spain
- Cardiff School of Biosciences; Cardiff University; Sir Martin Evans Building Museum Avenue Cardiff CF10 3AX UK
| | - V. San Andrés
- Cardiff School of Biosciences; Cardiff University; Sir Martin Evans Building Museum Avenue Cardiff CF10 3AX UK
| | - E. L. Clare
- Cardiff School of Biosciences; Cardiff University; Sir Martin Evans Building Museum Avenue Cardiff CF10 3AX UK
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences; Queen Mary, University of London; Mile End Road London E1 4NS UK
| | - G. Mir
- Centre de Recerca en Agrigenòmica (CRAG) CSIC IRTA UAB UB; Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193 Spain
| | - W. O. C. Symondson
- Cardiff School of Biosciences; Cardiff University; Sir Martin Evans Building Museum Avenue Cardiff CF10 3AX UK
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37
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The occurrence of two species of Entomophthorales (Entomophthoromycota), pathogens of Sitobion avenae and Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Tunisia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:838145. [PMID: 23862158 PMCID: PMC3697232 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The natural occurrence of entomophthoralean fungi pathogenic towards aphids on cereal and potato crops was investigated in the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Infected aphids were sampled in three bioclimatic zones in Tunisia (Beja, Cap bon, and Kairouan) and fungal species were determined based on morphological characters such as shape, size, and number of nuclei in the primary conidia. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on the internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1) was used to verify morphological determination. Both methods gave consistent results and we documented for the first time the natural occurrence of two fungal species from the order Entomophthorales (phylum Entomophthoromycota), Pandora neoaphidis and Entomophthora planchoniana. Both fungi were recorded on the aphid species Sitobion avenae and Myzus persicae on barley ears and potato leaves, respectively. Moreover, natural mixed infections by both species (P. neoaphidis and E. planchoniana) were documented on the target aphids. This investigation provides basic information of entomopathogenic fungi infecting economically important aphids in Tunisia.
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38
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García-Robledo C, Kuprewicz EK, Staines CL, Kress WJ, Erwin TL. Using a comprehensive DNA barcode library to detect novel egg and larval host plant associations in aCephaloleiarolled-leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles L. Staines
- Department of Entomology; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, DC; 20560; USA
| | - W. John Kress
- Department of Botany; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, DC; 20560; USA
| | - Terry L. Erwin
- Department of Entomology; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, DC; 20560; USA
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39
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The diversity and fitness effects of infection with facultative endosymbionts in the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae. Oecologia 2013; 173:985-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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40
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Tomanović Ž, Kos K, Petrović A, Starý P, Kavallieratos N, Žikić V, Jakše J, Trdan S, Ivanović A. The relationship between molecular variation and variation in the wing shape of three aphid parasitoid species: Aphidius uzbekistanicus Luzhetzki, Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Stefani Perez and Aphidius avenaphis (Fitch) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae). ZOOL ANZ 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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41
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Traugott M, Kamenova S, Ruess L, Seeber J, Plantegenest M. Empirically Characterising Trophic Networks. ADV ECOL RES 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420002-9.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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42
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Sint D, Raso L, Traugott M. Advances in multiplex PCR: balancing primer efficiencies and improving detection success. Methods Ecol Evol 2012; 3:898-905. [PMID: 23549328 PMCID: PMC3573865 DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2012.00215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool in many biological studies but it is a multifaceted procedure that has to be planned and optimised thoroughly to achieve robust and meaningful results. In particular, primer concentrations have to be adjusted to assure an even amplification of all targeted DNA fragments. Until now, total DNA extracts were used for balancing primer efficiencies; however, the applicability for comparisons between taxa or different multiple-copy genes was limited owing to the unknown number of template molecules present per total DNA. 2. Based on a multiplex system developed to track trophic interactions in high Alpine arthropods, we demonstrate a fast and easy way of generating standardised DNA templates. These were then used to balance the amplification success for the different targets and to subsequently determine the sensitivity of each primer pair in the multiplex PCR. 3. In the current multiplex assay, this approach led to an even amplification success for all seven targeted DNA fragments. Using this balanced multiplex PCR, methodological bias owing to variation in primer efficiency will be avoided when analysing field-derived samples. 4. The approach outlined here allows comparing multiplex PCR sensitivity, independent of the investigated species, genome size or the targeted genes. The application of standardised DNA templates not only makes it possible to optimise primer efficiency within a given multiplex PCR, but it also offers to adjust and/or to compare the sensitivity between different assays. Along with other factors that influence the success of multiplex reactions, and which we discuss here in relation to the presented detection system, the adoption of this approach will allow for direct comparison of multiplex PCR data between systems and studies, enhancing the utility of this assay type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sint
- Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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43
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Lohaus K, Vidal S, Thies C. Farming practices change food web structures in cereal aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid communities. Oecologia 2012; 171:249-59. [PMID: 22736196 PMCID: PMC3538122 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-012-2387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural intensification has been shown to result in a decline in biodiversity across many taxa, but the changes in community structure and species interactions remain little understood. We have analysed and compared the structure of feeding interactions for cereal aphids and their primary and secondary parasitoids in organically and conventionally managed winter wheat fields using quantitative food web metrics (interaction evenness, generality, vulnerability, link density). Despite little variation in the richness of each trophic group, food web structures between the two farming systems differed remarkably. In contrast to common expectations, aphids and primary parasitoids were characterized by (1) a higher evenness of interaction frequencies (interaction evenness) in conventional fields, which cascaded to interactions at the next trophic level, with (2) a higher interaction evenness, (3) a higher ratio of primary parasitoid taxa per secondary parasitoid (generality) and (4) a higher link density. Aphid communities in the organically managed fields almost exclusively consisted of a single ear-colonizing species, Sitobion avenae, while highly fertilized conventional fields were mainly infested by leaf-colonizing aphids that benefit from the nutritional status of winter wheat. In conclusion, agricultural intensification appears to foster the complexity of aphid-parasitoid food webs, thereby not supporting the general expectation on the importance of organic farming practices for species richness and food web complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lohaus
- Department of Crop Sciences, Entomology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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44
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Traugott M, Bell JR, Raso L, Sint D, Symondson WOC. Generalist predators disrupt parasitoid aphid control by direct and coincidental intraguild predation. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2012; 102:239-247. [PMID: 22008233 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485311000551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Generalist predators and parasitoids are considered to be important regulators of aphids. The former not only feed on these pests, but might also consume parasitoids at all stages of development. This direct or coincidental interference affects the natural control of aphids, the scale of which is largely unknown, and it has rarely been examined under natural conditions. Here, molecular diagnostics were used to track trophic interactions in an aphid-parasitoid-generalist predator community during the build-up of a cereal aphid population. We found that generalist predators, principally carabid and staphylinid beetles as well as linyphiid spiders, had strong trophic links to both parasitoids and aphids. Remarkably, more than 50% of the parasitoid DNA detected in predators stems from direct predation on adult parasitoids. The data also suggest that coincidental intraguild predation is common too. Generalist predators, hence, disrupt parasitoid aphid control, although the levels at which the predators feed on pests and parasitoids seem to vary significantly between predator taxa. Our results suggest that taxon-specific trophic interactions between natural enemies need to be considered to obtain a more complete understanding of the route to effective conservation biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Traugott
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
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45
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Derocles SAP, Plantegenest M, Simon JC, Taberlet P, Le Ralec A. A universal method for the detection and identification of Aphidiinae parasitoids within their aphid hosts. Mol Ecol Resour 2012; 12:634-45. [PMID: 22414242 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2012.03131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Molecular methods are increasingly used to detect and identify parasites in their hosts. However, existing methods are generally not appropriate for studying complex host-parasite interactions because they require prior knowledge of species composition. DNA barcoding is a molecular method that allows identifying species using DNA sequences as an identification key. We used DNA amplification with primers common to aphid parasitoids and sequencing of the amplified fragment to detect and identify parasitoids in their hosts, without prior knowledge on the species potentially present. To implement this approach, we developed a method based on 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene and LWRh nuclear gene. First, we designed two primer pairs specific to Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera), the main group of aphid parasitoids. Second, we tested whether the amplified regions could correctly identify Aphidiinae species and found that 61 species were accurately identified of 75 tested. We then determined the ability of each primer pair to detect immature parasitoids inside their aphid host. Detection was earlier for 16S than for LWRh, with parasitoids detected, respectively, 24 and 48 h after egg injection. Finally, we applied this method to assess parasitism rate in field populations of several aphid species. The interest of this tool for analysing aphid-parasitoid food webs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane A P Derocles
- INRA, Agrocampus-Ouest, Université de Rennes 1, UMR1099 BiO3P (Biology of Organisms and Populations applied to Plant Protection), 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35 042 Rennes Cedex, France
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46
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Wallinger C, Juen A, Staudacher K, Schallhart N, Mitterrutzner E, Steiner EM, Thalinger B, Traugott M. Rapid plant identification using species- and group-specific primers targeting chloroplast DNA. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29473. [PMID: 22253728 PMCID: PMC3257244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant identification is challenging when no morphologically assignable parts are available. There is a lack of broadly applicable methods for identifying plants in this situation, for example when roots grow in mixture and for decayed or semi-digested plant material. These difficulties have also impeded the progress made in ecological disciplines such as soil- and trophic ecology. Here, a PCR-based approach is presented which allows identifying a variety of plant taxa commonly occurring in Central European agricultural land. Based on the trnT-F cpDNA region, PCR assays were developed to identify two plant families (Poaceae and Apiaceae), the genera Trifolium and Plantago, and nine plant species: Achillea millefolium, Fagopyrum esculentum, Lolium perenne, Lupinus angustifolius, Phaseolus coccineus, Sinapis alba, Taraxacum officinale, Triticum aestivum, and Zea mays. These assays allowed identification of plants based on size-specific amplicons ranging from 116 bp to 381 bp. Their specificity and sensitivity was consistently high, enabling the detection of small amounts of plant DNA, for example, in decaying plant material and in the intestine or faeces of herbivores. To increase the efficacy of identifying plant species from large number of samples, specific primers were combined in multiplex PCRs, allowing screening for multiple species within a single reaction. The molecular assays outlined here will be applicable manifold, such as for root- and leaf litter identification, botanical trace evidence, and the analysis of herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Wallinger
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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47
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Derocles SAP, LE Ralec A, Plantegenest M, Chaubet B, Cruaud C, Cruaud A, Rasplus JY. Identification of molecular markers for DNA barcoding in the Aphidiinae (Hym. Braconidae). Mol Ecol Resour 2011; 12:197-208. [PMID: 22004100 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Reliable identification of Aphidiinae species (Braconidae) is a prerequisite for conducting studies on aphid-parasitoid interactions at the community level. However, morphological identification of Aphidiinae species remains problematic even for specialists and is almost impossible with larval stages. Here, we compared the efficiency of two molecular markers [mitochondrial cytochrome c oxydase I (COI) and nuclear long wavelength rhodopsin (LWRh)] that could be used to accurately identify about 50 species of Aphidiinae that commonly occur in aphid-parasitoid networks in northwestern Europe. We first identified species on a morphological basis and then assessed the consistency of genetic and morphological data. Probably because of mitochondrial introgression, Aphidius ervi and A. microlophii were indistinguishable on the basis of their COI sequences, whereas LWRh sequences discriminated these species. Conversely, because of its lower variability, LWRh failed to discriminate two pairs of species (Aphidius aquilus, Aphidius salicis, Lysiphlebus confusus and Lysiphlebus fabarum). Our study showed that no unique locus but a combination of two genes should be used to accurately identify members of Aphidiinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane A P Derocles
- INRA, Agrocampus-Ouest, Université de Rennes 1, UMR1099 BiO3P (Biology of Organisms and Populations Applied to Plant Protection), 65 Rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
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48
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Walton MP, Loxdale HD, Allen-Williams LJ. Flying with a 'death sentence' on board: electrophoretic detection of braconid parasitoid larvae in migrating winged grain aphids, Sitobion avenae (F.). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2011; 101:443-449. [PMID: 21294928 DOI: 10.1017/s000748531000074x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of enzymes (carboxylesterases) was used for the first time to monitor rates of parasitism in airborne alate (winged) grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.) population samples collected by suction trapping in Hertfordshire, UK. Using previously described electrophoretic 'keys', the species of hymenopterous parasitoids present in individual aphids were identified and found to be Aphidius ervi (Haliday) and/or Aphidius rhopalosiphi (De Stephani Perez) (Braconidae). Entomophthoralean fungal infection was also detected using this approach. Aphidiid wasp parasitism was detected from early June to mid-August and fungal infection from late June to late July. The results are discussed in relation to parasitoid population structure and dynamics, especially (i) the fact that winged aphids passively transport the early stages of their braconid parasitoids and fungal pathogens, potentially to newly-founded colonies, which may directly impact on the dual aphid-parasitoid populations genetics; and (ii) the approach used to collect and assay parasitised and fungal infected aphids involving both suction trapping and electrophoretic testing may have potential in assessing the level and efficacy of these biological control agents in integrated pest management (IPM) schemes to combat cereal aphid outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Walton
- Department of Biosciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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Hrcek J, Miller SE, Quicke DLJ, Smith MA. Molecular detection of trophic links in a complex insect host-parasitoid food web. Mol Ecol Resour 2011; 11:786-94. [PMID: 21535428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previously, host-parasitoid links have been unveiled almost exclusively by time-intensive rearing, while molecular methods were used only in simple agricultural host-parasitoid systems in the form of species-specific primers. Here, we present a general method for the molecular detection of these links applied to a complex caterpillar-parasitoid food web from tropical rainforest of Papua New Guinea. We DNA barcoded hosts, parasitoids and their tissue remnants and matched the sequences to our extensive library of local species. We were thus able to match 87% of host sequences and 36% of parasitoid sequences to species and infer subfamily or family in almost all cases. Our analysis affirmed 93 hitherto unknown trophic links between 37 host species from a wide range of Lepidoptera families and 46 parasitoid species from Hymenoptera and Diptera by identifying DNA sequences for both the host and the parasitoid involved in the interaction. Molecular detection proved especially useful in cases where distinguishing host species in caterpillar stage was difficult morphologically, or when the caterpillar died during rearing. We have even detected a case of extreme parasitoid specialization in a pair of Choreutis species that do not differ in caterpillar morphology and ecology. Using the molecular approach outlined here leads to better understanding of parasitoid host specificity, opens new possibilities for rapid surveys of food web structure and allows inference of species associations not already anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Hrcek
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia and Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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50
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Staudacher K, Pitterl P, Furlan L, Cate PC, Traugott M. PCR-based species identification of Agriotes larvae. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2011; 101:201-10. [PMID: 21034519 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485310000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Click beetle larvae within the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae), commonly known as wireworms, are abundant ground-dwelling herbivores which can inflict considerable damage to field crops. In Central Europe up to 20 species, which differ in their distribution, ecology and pest status, occur in arable land. However, the identification of these larvae based on morphological characters is difficult or impossible. This hampers progress towards controlling these pests. Here, we present a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach to identify, for the first time, 17 Agriotes species typically found in Central Europe. Diagnostic sequence information was generated and submitted to GenBank, allowing the identification of these species via DNA barcoding. Moreover, multiplex PCR assays were developed to identify the nine most abundant species rapidly within a single-step reaction: Agriotes brevis, A. litigiosus, A. obscurus, A. rufipalpis, A. sordidus, A. sputator, A. ustulatus, A. lineatus and A. proximus. The latter two species remain molecularly indistinguishable, questioning their species status. The multiplex PCR assays proved to be highly specific against non-agrioted elaterid beetles and other non-target soil invertebrates. By testing the molecular identification system with over 900 field-collected larvae, our protocol proved to be a reliable, cheap and quick method to routinely identify Central European Agriotes species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Staudacher
- Institute of Ecology, Mountain Agriculture Research Unit, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, Innsbruck, Austria
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