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Magner ET, Freund Saxhaug K, Zambre A, Bruns K, Carroll P, Snell-Rood EC, Hegeman AD, Carter CJ. A multifunctional role for riboflavin in the yellow nectar of Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum pubescens. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:1991-2007. [PMID: 38874372 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
A few Capsicum (pepper) species produce yellow-colored floral nectar, but the chemical identity and biological function of the yellow pigment are unknown. A combination of analytical biochemistry techniques was used to identify the pigment that gives Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum pubescens nectars their yellow color. Microbial growth assays, visual modeling, and honey bee preference tests for artificial nectars containing riboflavin were used to assess potential biological roles for the nectar pigment. High concentrations of riboflavin (vitamin B2) give the nectars their intense yellow color. Nectars containing riboflavin generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to light and reduce microbial growth. Visual modeling also indicates that the yellow color is highly conspicuous to bees within the context of the flower. Lastly, field experiments demonstrate that honey bees prefer artificial nectars containing riboflavin. Some Capsicum nectars contain a yellow-colored vitamin that appears to play roles in (1) limiting microbial growth, (2) the visual attraction of bees, and (3) as a reward to nectar-feeding flower visitors (potential pollinators), which is especially interesting since riboflavin is an essential nutrient for brood rearing in insects. These results cumulatively suggest that the riboflavin found in some Capsicum nectars has several functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evin T Magner
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | | | - Amod Zambre
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Bruns
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Patrick Carroll
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Emilie C Snell-Rood
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Adrian D Hegeman
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Clay J Carter
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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2
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Ostap-Chec M, Bajorek D, Antoł W, Stec D, Miler K. Occasional and constant exposure to dietary ethanol shortens the lifespan of worker honey bees. J Comp Physiol B 2024; 194:403-410. [PMID: 38880794 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01571-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are one of the most crucial pollinators, providing vital ecosystem services. Their development and functioning depend on essential nutrients and substances found in the environment. While collecting nectar as a vital carbohydrate source, bees routinely encounter low doses of ethanol from yeast fermentation. Yet, the effects of repeated ethanol exposure on bees' survival and physiology remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impacts of constant and occasional consumption of food spiked with 1% ethanol on honey bee mortality and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. This ethanol concentration might be tentatively judged close to that in natural conditions. We conducted an experiment in which bees were exposed to three types of long-term diets: constant sugar solution (control group that simulated conditions of no access to ethanol), sugar solution spiked with ethanol every third day (that simulated occasional, infrequent exposure to ethanol) and daily ethanol consumption (simulating constant, routine exposure to ethanol). The results revealed that both constant and occasional ethanol consumption increased the mortality of bees, but only after several days. These mortality rates rose with the frequency of ethanol intake. The ADH activity remained similar in bees from all groups. Our findings indicate that exposure of bees to ethanol carries harmful effects that accumulate over time. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact ethanol doses ingested with food and exposure frequency in bees in natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ostap-Chec
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza 11 St., 30-348, Kraków, Poland.
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 , Kraków, Poland.
| | - Daniel Bajorek
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17 St., 31-016, Kraków, Poland
| | - Weronika Antoł
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17 St., 31-016, Kraków, Poland
| | - Daniel Stec
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17 St., 31-016, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Miler
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17 St., 31-016, Kraków, Poland.
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3
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Sobhy IS, Gurr GM, Hefin Jones T. Induced plant resistance and its influence on natural enemy use of plant-derived foods. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101218. [PMID: 38838913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In response to herbivory, plants employ several inducible defenses to mitigate herbivore damage. These plant-induced responses can trigger subtle changes in plant metabolite composition, altering the profiles of plant-produced exudates such as (extra-) floral nectar and plant guttation. Natural enemies consume these plant-produced exudates, which serve as consistent and nutrient-dense food sources. There is mounting evidence that natural enemies' access to plant-produced exudates impacts their fitness, performance, and life history traits. Nonetheless, the role of induced plant defense on plant-produced exudates and the subsequent effect on natural enemies remains under-researched. This review, thus, highlights the potential role of induced plant defense on the profiles of plant-produced exudates, with a particular emphasis on altered metabolic changes affecting resource nutritional value and consequently the fitness and performance of natural enemies. Future directions and potential implications in biological control practices are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam S Sobhy
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Geoff M Gurr
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange NSW 2800, Australia
| | - T Hefin Jones
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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Rivest S, Forrest JRK. Do flower-colonizing microbes influence floral evolution? A test with fast-cycling Brassica. J Evol Biol 2024; 37:935-946. [PMID: 38902913 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Pollinators are thought to be the main drivers of floral evolution. Flowers are also colonized by abundant communities of microbes that can affect the interaction between plants and their pollinators. Very little is known, however, about how flower-colonizing microbes influence floral evolution. Here we performed a 6-generation experimental evolution study using fast-cycling Brassica rapa, in which we factorially manipulated the presence of pollinators and flower microbes to determine how pollinators and microbes interact in driving floral evolution. We measured the evolution of 6 morphological traits, as well as the plant mating system and flower attractiveness. Only one of the 6 traits (flower number) evolved in response to pollinators, while microbes did not drive the evolution of any trait, nor did they interact with pollinators in driving the evolution of morphological traits. Moreover, we did not find evidence that pollinators or microbes affected the evolution of flower attractiveness to pollinators. However, we found an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes on the evolution of autonomous selfing, a trait that is expected to evolve in response to pollinator limitations. Overall, we found only weak evidence that microbes mediate floral evolution. However, our ability to detect an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes might have been limited by weak pollinator-mediated selection in our experimental setting. Our results contrast with previous (similar) experimental evolution studies, highlighting the susceptibility of such experiments to drift and to experimental artefacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Rivest
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Yuan L, Zhao T, Yang J, Wu N, Zhang P, Zhang H, Xu T. Characteristics of the Perianthic Endophytic Fungal Communities of the Rare Horticultural Plant Lirianthe delavayi and Their Changes under Artificial Cultivation. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1491. [PMID: 39065259 PMCID: PMC11278761 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Flower endophytic fungi play a major role in plant reproduction, stress resistance, and growth and development. However, little is known about how artificial cultivation affects the endophytic fungal community found in the tepals of rare horticultural plants. In this research, we used high-throughput sequencing technology combined with bioinformatics analysis to reveal the endophytic fungal community of tepals in Lirianthe delavayi and the effects of artificial cultivation on the community composition and function of these plants, using tepals of L. delavayi from wild habitat, cultivated campus habitat, and cultivated field habitat as research objects. The results showed that the variety of endophytic fungi in the tepals of L. delavayi was abundant, with a total of 907 Amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) obtained from all the samples, which were further classified into 4 phyla, 23 classes, 51 orders, 97 families, 156 genera, and 214 species. We also found that artificial cultivation had a significant impact on the community composition of endophytic fungi. Although there was no significant difference at the phylum level, with Ascomycota and Basidiomycota being the main phyla, there were significant differences in dominant and unique genera. Artificial cultivation has led to the addition of new pathogenic fungal genera, such as Phaeosphaeria, Botryosphaeria, and Paraconiothyrium, increasing the risk of disease in L. delavayi. In addition, the abundance of the endophytic fungus Rhodotorula, which is typical in plant reproductive organs, decreased. Artificial cultivation also altered the metabolic pathways of endophytic fungi, decreasing their ability to resist pests and diseases and reducing their ability to reproduce. A comparison of endophytic fungi in tepals and leaves revealed significant differences in community composition and changes in the endophytic diversity caused by artificial cultivation. To summarize, our results indicate that endophytic fungi in the tepals of L. delavayi mainly consist of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi. Simultaneously, artificial cultivation introduces a great number of pathogenic fungi that alter the metabolic pathways associated with plant resistance to disease and pests, as well as reproduction, which can increase the risk of plant disease and reduce plant reproductive capacity. Our study provides an important reference for the conservation and breeding of rare horticultural plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Yuan
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
| | - Tongxing Zhao
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
| | - Nannan Wu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
| | - Pinzheng Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
| | - Hanbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650106, China (J.Y.)
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Sobhy IS, Berry C. Chemical ecology of nectar-mosquito interactions: recent advances and future directions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101199. [PMID: 38588943 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes, males and females, rely on sugar-rich resources, including floral nectar as a primary source of sugar to meet their energy and nutritional needs. Despite advancements in understanding mosquito host-seeking and blood-feeding preferences, significant gaps in our knowledge of the chemical ecology mediating mosquito-nectar associations remain. The influence of such association with nectar on mosquito behavior and the resulting effects on their fitness are also not totally understood. It is significant that floral nectar frequently acts as a natural habitat for various microbes (e.g. bacteria and yeast), which substantially alter nectar characteristics, influencing the nutritional ecology of flower-visiting insects, such as mosquitoes. The role of nectar-inhabiting microbes in shaping the nectar-mosquito interactions remains, however, under-researched. This review explores recent advances in understanding the role of such multitrophic interactions on the fitness and life history traits of mosquitoes and outlines future directions for research toward their control as disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam S Sobhy
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Colin Berry
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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Thiel S, Gottstein M, Heymann EW, Kroszewski J, Lieker N, Tello NS, Tschapka M, Junker RR, Heer K. Vertically stratified interactions of nectarivores and nectar-inhabiting bacteria in a liana flowering across forest strata. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16303. [PMID: 38531667 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16303] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PREMISE Vertical stratification is a key feature of tropical forests and plant-frugivore interactions. However, it is unclear whether equally strong patterns of vertical stratification exist for plant-nectarivore interactions and, if so, which factors drive these patterns. Further, nectar-inhabiting bacteria, acting as "hidden players" in plant-nectarivore interactions, might be vertically stratified, either in response to differences among strata in microenvironmental conditions or to the nectarivore community serving as vectors. METHODS We observed visitations by a diverse nectarivore community to the liana Marcgravia longifolia in a Peruvian rainforest and characterized diversity and community composition of nectar-inhabiting bacteria. Unlike most other plants, M. longifolia produces inflorescences across forest strata, enabling us to study effects of vertical stratification on plant-nectarivore interactions without confounding effects of plant species and stratum. RESULTS A significantly higher number of visits were by nectarivorous bats and hummingbirds in the midstory than in the understory and canopy, and the visits were strongly correlated to flower availability and nectar quantity and quality. Trochiline hummingbirds foraged across all strata, whereas hermits remained in the lower strata. The Shannon diversity index for nectar-inhabiting bacterial communities was highest in the midstory. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that vertical niche differentiation in plant-nectarivore interactions seems to be partly driven by resource abundance, but other factors such as species-specific preferences of hummingbirds, likely caused by competition, play an important role. We conclude that vertical stratification is an important driver of a species' interaction niche highlighting its role for promoting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Thiel
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str, 8, Marburg, Germany
| | - Malika Gottstein
- Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Bertoldstr. 17, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eckhard W Heymann
- Verhaltensökologie & Soziobiologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum - Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jana Kroszewski
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str, 8, Marburg, Germany
| | - Narges Lieker
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str, 8, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Marco Tschapka
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert Einstein Allee 11, Ulm, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Republic of Panama
| | - Robert R Junker
- Evolutionary Ecology of Plants, Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Heer
- Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Bertoldstr. 17, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Magalhães DM, Lourenção AL, Bento JMS. Beneath the blooms: Unearthing the effect of rhizospheric bacteria on floral signals and pollinator preferences. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:782-798. [PMID: 37994626 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between plants and pollinators is known to be influenced by ecological interactions with other community members. While most research has focused on aboveground communities affecting plant-pollinator interactions, it is increasingly recognized that soil-dwelling organisms can directly or indirectly impact these interactions. Although studies have examined the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on floral traits, there is a gap in research regarding similar effects associated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly concerning floral scent. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of the PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the floral traits of wild (Solanum habrochaites, Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum peruvianum) and cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), as well as the impact of microbially-driven changes in floral scent on the foraging behaviour of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata. Our findings revealed that inoculating tomatoes with PGPR led to an increased number of flowers and enhanced overall floral volatile emission. Additionally, we observed higher flower biomass and pollen levels in all species, except S. peruvianum. Importantly, these changes in volatile emissions influenced the foraging behaviour of M. quadrifasciata significantly. Our results highlight the impact of beneficial soil microbes on plant-pollinator interactions, shedding light on the multiple effects that plant-microbial interactions can have on aboveground organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego M Magalhães
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André L Lourenção
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Maurício S Bento
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Rering CC, Rudolph AB, Li QB, Read QD, Muñoz PR, Ternest JJ, Hunter CT. A quantitative survey of the blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) culturable nectar microbiome: variation between cultivars, locations, and farm management approaches. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae020. [PMID: 38366934 PMCID: PMC10903978 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbes in floral nectar can impact both their host plants and floral visitors, yet little is known about the nectar microbiome of most pollinator-dependent crops. In this study, we examined the abundance and composition of the fungi and bacteria inhabiting Vaccinium spp. nectar, as well as nectar volume and sugar concentrations. We compared wild V. myrsinites with two field-grown V. corymbosum cultivars collected from two organic and two conventional farms. Differences in nectar traits and microbiomes were identified between V. corymbosum cultivars but not Vaccinium species. The microbiome of cultivated plants also varied greatly between farms, whereas management regime had only subtle effects, with higher fungal populations detected under organic management. Nectars were hexose-dominant, and high cell densities were correlated with reduced nectar sugar concentrations. Bacteria were more common than fungi in blueberry nectar, although both were frequently detected and co-occurred more often than would be predicted by chance. "Cosmopolitan" blueberry nectar microbes that were isolated in all plants, including Rosenbergiella sp. and Symmetrospora symmetrica, were identified. This study provides the first systematic report of the blueberry nectar microbiome, which may have important implications for pollinator and crop health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Rering
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1700 SW 23rd Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Arthur B Rudolph
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1700 SW 23rd Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Qin-Bao Li
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1700 SW 23rd Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Quentin D Read
- Agricultural Research Service, Southeast Area, United States Department of Agriculture, 840 Oval Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States
| | - Patricio R Muñoz
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2550 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - John J Ternest
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Charles T Hunter
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1700 SW 23rd Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
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10
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Urbaneja-Bernat P, Tena A, González-Cabrera J, Rodriguez-Saona C. An insect's energy bar: the potential role of plant guttation on biological control. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 61:101140. [PMID: 37939848 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Plant guttation is an exudation fluid composed of xylem and phloem sap secreted at the margins of leaves of many agricultural crops. Although plant guttation is a widespread phenomenon, its effect on natural enemies remains largely unexplored. A recent study showed that plant guttation can be a reliable nutrient-rich food source for natural enemies, affecting their communities in highbush blueberries. This review highlights the potential role of plant guttation as a food source for natural enemies, with a particular emphasis on its nutritional value, effects on insect communities, and potential use in conservation biological control. We also discuss possible negative implications and conclude with some open questions and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Tena
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joel González-Cabrera
- Universitat de València, Institute BIOTECMED Department of Genetics, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Yactayo-Chang JP, Broadhead GT, Housler RJ, Resende MFR, Verma K, Louis J, Basset GJ, Beck JJ, Block AK. Maize terpene synthase 1 impacts insect behavior via the production of monoterpene volatiles β-myrcene and linalool. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 218:113957. [PMID: 38154731 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113957] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Plant-derived volatiles are important mediators of plant-insect interactions as they can provide cues for host location and quality, or act as direct or indirect defense molecules. The volatiles produced by Zea mays (maize) include a range of terpenes, likely produced by several of the terpene synthases (TPS) present in maize. Determining the roles of specific terpene volatiles and individual TPSs in maize-insect interactions is challenging due to the promiscuous nature of TPSs in vitro and their potential for functional redundancy. In this study, we used metabolite GWAS of a sweetcorn diversity panel infested with Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) to identify genetic correlations between TPSs and individual volatiles. This analysis revealed a correlation between maize terpene synthase 1 (ZmTPS1) and emission of the monoterpene volatiles linalool and β-myrcene. Electroantennogram assays showed gravid S. frugiperda could detect both linalool and β-myrcene. Quantification of headspace volatiles in a maize tps1 loss-of-function mutant confirmed that ZmTPS1 is an important contributor to linalool and β-myrcene emission in maize. Furthermore, pairwise choice assays between tps1 mutant and wild-type plants showed that ZmTPS1, and by extension its volatile products, aid host location in the chewing insect S. frugiperda, yet repel the sap-sucking pest, Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid). On the other hand, ZmTPS1 had no impact on indirect defense via the recruitment of the parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris. ZmTPS1 is therefore an important mediator of the interactions between maize and its insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Yactayo-Chang
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Broadhead
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert J Housler
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA; Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marcio F R Resende
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kashish Verma
- Department of Entomology and Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Joe Louis
- Department of Entomology and Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Gilles J Basset
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John J Beck
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Anna K Block
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Agarbati A, Gattucci S, Canonico L, Ciani M, Comitini F. Yeast communities related to honeybees: occurrence and distribution in flowers, gut mycobiota, and bee products. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:175. [PMID: 38276993 PMCID: PMC10817854 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12942-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an important agricultural pollinator and a model for sociality. In this study, a deep knowledge on yeast community characterizing the honeybees' environmental was carried out. For this, a total of 93 samples were collected: flowers as food sources, bee gut mycobiota, and bee products (bee pollen, bee bread, propolis), and processed using culture-dependent techniques and a molecular approach for identification. The occurrence of yeast populations was quantitatively similar among flowers, bee gut mycobiota, and bee products. Overall, 27 genera and 51 species were identified. Basidiomycetes genera were predominant in the flowers while the yeast genera detected in all environments were Aureobasidium, Filobasidium, Meyerozyma, and Metschnikowia. Fermenting species belonging to the genera Debaryomyces, Saccharomyces, Starmerella, Pichia, and Lachancea occurred mainly in the gut, while most of the identified species of bee products were not found in the gut mycobiota. Five yeast species, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Debaryomyces hansenii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, and Starmerella roseus, were present in both summer and winter, thus indicating them as stable components of bee mycobiota. These findings can help understand the yeast community as a component of the bee gut microbiota and its relationship with related environments, since mycobiota characterization was still less unexplored. In addition, the gut microbiota, affecting the nutrition, endocrine signaling, immune function, and pathogen resistance of honeybees, represents a useful tool for its health evaluation and could be a possible source of functional yeasts. KEY POINTS: • The stable yeast populations are represented by M. guilliermondii, D. hansenii, H. uvarum, H. guilliermondii, and S. roseus. • A. pullulans was the most abondance yeast detective in the flowers and honeybee guts. • Aureobasidium, Meyerozyma, Pichia, and Hanseniaspora are the main genera resident in gut tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Agarbati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Gattucci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Canonico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ciani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Comitini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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13
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Torto B, Tchouassi DP. Chemical Ecology and Management of Dengue Vectors. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:159-182. [PMID: 37625116 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020123-015755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Dengue, caused by the dengue virus, is the most widespread arboviral infectious disease of public health significance globally. This review explores the communicative function of olfactory cues that mediate host-seeking, egg-laying, plant-feeding, and mating behaviors in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two mosquito vectors that drive dengue virus transmission. Aedes aegypti has adapted to live in close association with humans, preferentially feeding on them and laying eggs in human-fabricated water containers and natural habitats. In contrast, Ae. albopictus is considered opportunistic in its feeding habits and tends to inhabit more vegetative areas. Additionally, the ability of both mosquito species to locate suitable host plants for sugars and find mates for reproduction contributes to their survival. Advances in chemical ecology, functional genomics, and behavioral analyses have improved our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and reveal novel and specific olfactory semiochemicals that these species use to locate and discriminate among resources in their environment. Physiological status; learning; and host- and habitat-associated factors, including microbial infection and abundance, shape olfactory responses of these vectors. Some of these semiochemicals can be integrated into the toolbox for dengue surveillance and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; ,
| | - David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; ,
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14
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Shi JH, Sun Z, Pickett JA, Hu XJ, Wang C, Liu L, Jin H, Abdelnabby H, Foba CN, Yang XQ, Chang XQ, Wang MQ. Unprecedented oviposition tactics avoid plant defences and reduce attack by parasitic wasps. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:308-318. [PMID: 37807627 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Female insects oviposit in sites suitable for the development of their offspring. The Oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata is a serious pest of various crops including wheat and prefers to oviposit on withered leaves rather than on fresh plant material, which is surprisingly different from other insects. Studies here showed that this oviposition tactic enables avoidance of wheat defence against eggs and emerged larvae. Intact plants responded to M. separata egg deposition by releasing oviposition-induced plant volatiles including acetophenone, tetradecene and pentadecane after 24 h. Acetophenone was identified as quantitatively accounting for the attraction of the egg parasitoid wasp (Trichogramma chilonis). Leaf jasmonic acid levels significantly increased after M. separata laid eggs, and primed the plant against emerging larvae. In addition, newly emerged M. separata larvae adopted a fast crawling behaviour and starvation tolerance compared with other noctuid larvae, which enhanced the survival of larvae on the withered leaves. The elucidation of this complex and surprising plant-insect interaction provides the first explanation for a herbivore laying eggs on withered leaves to avoid natural enemies and live-plant defence against emerging larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hua Shi
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze Sun
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - John A Pickett
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Xin-Jun Hu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Le Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huanan Jin
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hazem Abdelnabby
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Banha, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Caroline Ngichop Foba
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences, Cooperative Extension, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri, USA
| | - Xue-Qing Yang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang-Qian Chang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Man-Qun Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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15
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Dötterl S, Gershenzon J. Chemistry, biosynthesis and biology of floral volatiles: roles in pollination and other functions. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1901-1937. [PMID: 37661854 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00024a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2010 to 2023Floral volatiles are a chemically diverse group of plant metabolites that serve multiple functions. Their composition is shaped by environmental, ecological and evolutionary factors. This review will summarize recent advances in floral scent research from chemical, molecular and ecological perspectives. It will focus on the major chemical classes of floral volatiles, on notable new structures, and on recent discoveries regarding the biosynthesis and the regulation of volatile emission. Special attention will be devoted to the various functions of floral volatiles, not only as attractants for different types of pollinators, but also as defenses of flowers against enemies. We will also summarize recent findings on how floral volatiles are affected by abiotic stressors, such as increased temperatures and drought, and by other organisms, such as herbivores and flower-dwelling microbes. Finally, this review will indicate current research gaps, such as the very limited knowledge of the isomeric pattern of chiral compounds and its importance in interspecific interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dötterl
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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16
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Rering CC, Lanier AM, Peres NA. Blueberry floral probiotics: nectar microbes inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum pathogens. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad300. [PMID: 38061796 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To identify whether microorganisms isolated from blueberry flowers can inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum, an opportunistic plant pathogen that infects flowers and threatens yields, and to assess the impacts of floral microbes and Colletotrichum pathogens on artificial nectar sugars and honey bee consumption. METHODS AND RESULTS The growth inhibition of Colletotrichum (Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum fioriniae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) was screened using both artificial nectar co-culture and dual culture plate assays. All candidate nectar microbes were screened for antagonism against a single C. acutatum isolate. Then, the top four candidate nectar microbes showing the strongest inhibition of C. acutatum (Neokomagataea thailandica, Neokomagataea tanensis, Metschnikowia rancensis, and Symmetrospora symmetrica) were evaluated for antagonism against three additional C. acutatum isolates, and single isolates of both C. fioriniae and C. gloeosporioides. In artificial nectar assays, single and three-species cultures inhibited the growth of two of four C. acutatum isolates by ca. 60%, but growth of other Colletotrichum species was not affected. In dual culture plate assays, inhibition was observed for all Colletotrichum species for at least three of four selected microbial antagonists (13%‒53%). Neither honey bee consumption of nectar nor nectar sugar concentrations were affected by any microbe or pathogen tested. CONCLUSIONS Selected floral microbes inhibited growth of all Colletotrichum species in vitro, although the degree of inhibition was specific to the assay and pathogen examined. In all microbial treatments, nectar sugars were preserved, and honey bee preference was not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Rering
- Chemistry Research Unit, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Alexia M Lanier
- Chemistry Research Unit, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Natalia A Peres
- Department of Horticulture, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Wimauma, FL 33598, United States
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17
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Cusumano A, Lievens B. Microbe-mediated alterations in floral nectar: consequences for insect parasitoids. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 60:101116. [PMID: 37741616 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar is frequently colonized by microbes among which bacteria and yeasts are the most abundant. These microbes have the ability to alter nectar characteristics with consequences for the whole community of flower-visiting insects. Recent research carried out on natural enemies of insect herbivores has shown that microbe-mediated changes in nectar traits can influence the foraging behavior and life history traits of parasitoids. The production of microbial volatile organic compounds can affect the attraction of parasitoids to nectar, while changes in sugar and amino acid composition can impact their longevity. Future research should focus on understanding the effects of nectar microbial colonization on parasitoid reproduction, with a specific emphasis on the interactions among different microbial taxa known to co-occur in floral nectar. Overall, this review highlights the importance of considering the role of nectar-inhabiting microbes in shaping the interactions between parasitoids and their food resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Bart Lievens
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Sasidharan R, Junker RR, Eilers EJ, Müller C. Floral volatiles evoke partially similar responses in both florivores and pollinators and are correlated with non-volatile reward chemicals. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:1-14. [PMID: 37220889 PMCID: PMC10550281 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plants often use floral displays to attract mutualists and prevent antagonist attacks. Chemical displays detectable from a distance include attractive or repellent floral volatile organic compounds (FVOCs). Locally, visitors perceive contact chemicals including nutrients but also deterrent or toxic constituents of pollen and nectar. The FVOC and pollen chemical composition can vary intra- and interspecifically. For certain pollinator and florivore species, responses to these compounds are studied in specific plant systems, yet we lack a synthesis of general patterns comparing these two groups and insights into potential correlations between FVOC and pollen chemodiversity. SCOPE We reviewed how FVOCs and non-volatile floral chemical displays, i.e. pollen nutrients and toxins, vary in composition and affect the detection by and behaviour of insect visitors. Moreover, we used meta-analyses to evaluate the detection of and responses to FVOCs by pollinators vs. florivores within the same plant genera. We also tested whether the chemodiversity of FVOCs, pollen nutrients and toxins is correlated, hence mutually informative. KEY RESULTS According to available data, florivores could detect more FVOCs than pollinators. Frequently tested FVOCs were often reported as pollinator-attractive and florivore-repellent. Among FVOCs tested on both visitor groups, there was a higher number of attractive than repellent compounds. FVOC and pollen toxin richness were negatively correlated, indicating trade-offs, whereas a marginal positive correlation between the amount of pollen protein and toxin richness was observed. CONCLUSIONS Plants face critical trade-offs, because floral chemicals mediate similar information to both mutualists and antagonists, particularly through attractive FVOCs, with fewer repellent FVOCs. Furthermore, florivores might detect more FVOCs, whose richness is correlated with the chemical richness of rewards. Chemodiversity of FVOCs is potentially informative of reward traits. To gain a better understanding of the ecological processes shaping floral chemical displays, more research is needed on floral antagonists of diverse plant species and on the role of floral chemodiversity in visitor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sasidharan
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Robert R Junker
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology of Plants, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Kapitalgasse 4-6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Elisabeth J Eilers
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- CTL GmbH Bielefeld, Krackser Straße 12, 33659 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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19
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Lazarova S, Lozanova L, Neov B, Shumkova R, Balkanska R, Palova N, Salkova D, Radoslavov G, Hristov P. Composition and diversity of bacterial communities associated with honey bee foragers from two contrasting environments. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:693-702. [PMID: 37545319 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The honey bee is associated with a diverse community of microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists), commonly known as the microbiome. Here, we present data on honey bee microbiota from two localities having different surrounding landscapes - mountain (the Rhodope Mountains) and lowland (the Danube plain). The bacterial communities of abdomen of adult bees were studied using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition and dominance structure and their variability within and between localities, alpha and beta diversity, and core and differential taxa were compared at different hierarchical levels (operational taxonomic units to phylum). Seven genera (Lactobacillus, Gilliamella, Bifidobacterium, Commensalibacter, Bartonella, Snodgrassella, and Frischella), known to include core gut-associated phylotypes or species clusters, dominated (92-100%) the bacterial assemblages. Significant variations were found in taxa distribution across both geographical regions and within each apiary. Lactobacillus (Firmicutes) prevailed significantly in the mountain locality followed by Gilliamella and Bartonella (Proteobacteria). Bacteria of four genera, core (Bartonella and Lactobacillus) and non-core (Pseudomonas and Morganella), dominated the bee-associated assemblages of the Danube plain locality. Several ubiquitous bacterial genera (e.g., Klebsiella, Serratia, and Providencia), some species known also as potential and opportunistic bee pathogens, had been found in the lowland locality. Beta diversity analyses confirmed the observed differences in the bacterial communities from both localities. The occurrence of non-core taxa contributes substantially to higher microbial richness and diversity in bees from the Danube plain locality. We assume that the observed differences in the microbiota of honey bees from both apiaries are due to a combination of factors specific for each region. The surrounding landscape features of both localities and related vegetation, anthropogenic impact and land use intensity, the beekeeping management practices, and bee health status might all contribute to observed differences in bee microbiota traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Lazarova
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Lozanova
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Environmental Risk Assessment and Conservation Biology, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Neov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Shumkova
- Research Centre of Stockbreeding and Agriculture, Agricultural Academy, 4700 Smolyan, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Balkanska
- Department 'Special Branches', Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Academy, 2230 Kostinbrod, Bulgaria
| | - Nadezhda Palova
- Scientific Center of Agriculture, Agricultural Academy, Sredets 8300, Bulgaria
| | - Delka Salkova
- Department of Experimental Parasitology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Radoslavov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Peter Hristov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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20
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Tuerlings T, Hettiarachchi A, Joossens M, Geslin B, Vereecken NJ, Michez D, Smagghe G, Vandamme P. Microbiota and pathogens in an invasive bee: Megachile sculpturalis from native and invaded regions. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:544-557. [PMID: 37191302 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterise the bacterial, fungal and parasite gut community of the invasive bee Megachile sculpturalis sampled from native (Japan) and invaded (USA and France) regions via 16S rRNA and ITS2 amplicon sequencing and PCR detection of bee microparasites. The bacterial and fungal gut microbiota communities in bees from invaded regions were highly similar and differed strongly from those obtained in Japan. Core amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) within each population represented environmental micro-organisms commonly present in bee-associated niches that likely provide beneficial functions to their host. Although the overall bacterial and fungal communities of the invasive M. sculpturalis in France and the co-foraging native bees Anthidium florentinum and Halictus scabiosae, were significantly different, five out of eight core ASVs were shared suggesting common environmental sources and potential transmission. None of the 46 M. sculpturalis bees analysed harboured known bee pathogens, while microparasite infections were common in A. florentinum, and rare in H. scabiosae. A common shift in the gut microbiota of M. sculpturalis in invaded regions as a response to changed environmental conditions, or a founder effect coupled to population re-establishment in the invaded regions may explain the observed microbial community profiles and the absence of parasites. While the role of pathogen pressure in shaping biological invasions is still debated, the absence of natural enemies may contribute to the invasion success of M. sculpturalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Tuerlings
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda Hettiarachchi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benoît Geslin
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
- Université de Rennes (UNIR), UMR 6553 ECOBIO, CNRS, Rennes, France
| | | | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Sessitsch A, Wakelin S, Schloter M, Maguin E, Cernava T, Champomier-Verges MC, Charles TC, Cotter PD, Ferrocino I, Kriaa A, Lebre P, Cowan D, Lange L, Kiran S, Markiewicz L, Meisner A, Olivares M, Sarand I, Schelkle B, Selvin J, Smidt H, van Overbeek L, Berg G, Cocolin L, Sanz Y, Fernandes WL, Liu SJ, Ryan M, Singh B, Kostic T. Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0021222. [PMID: 37367231 PMCID: PMC10521359 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00212-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes have highly important roles for ecosystem functioning and carry out key functions that support planetary health, including nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water filtration. Microbiomes are also intimately associated with complex multicellular organisms such as humans, other animals, plants, and insects and perform crucial roles for the health of their hosts. Although we are starting to understand that microbiomes in different systems are interconnected, there is still a poor understanding of microbiome transfer and connectivity. In this review we show how microbiomes are connected within and transferred between different habitats and discuss the functional consequences of these connections. Microbiome transfer occurs between and within abiotic (e.g., air, soil, and water) and biotic environments, and can either be mediated through different vectors (e.g., insects or food) or direct interactions. Such transfer processes may also include the transmission of pathogens or antibiotic resistance genes. However, here, we highlight the fact that microbiome transmission can have positive effects on planetary and human health, where transmitted microorganisms potentially providing novel functions may be important for the adaptation of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tomislav Cernava
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul D. Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, APC Microbiome Ireland and VistaMilk, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Aicha Kriaa
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pedro Lebre
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Don Cowan
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lene Lange
- LL-BioEconomy, Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lidia Markiewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Annelein Meisner
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Olivares
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Inga Sarand
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | | | - Hauke Smidt
- Wageningen University and Research, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo van Overbeek
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yolanda Sanz
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - S. J. Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Genetic Resources Collection, CABI, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Brajesh Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanja Kostic
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria
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22
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Gaube P, Marchenko P, Müller C, Schweiger R, Tenhaken R, Keller A, Junker RR. Inter- and intraspecific phytochemical variation correlate with epiphytic flower and leaf bacterial communities. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:1624-1643. [PMID: 37011905 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbes associated with flowers and leaves affect plant health and fitness and modify the chemical phenotypes of plants with consequences for interactions of plants with their environment. However, the drivers of bacterial communities colonizing above-ground parts of grassland plants in the field remain largely unknown. We therefore examined the relationships between phytochemistry and the epiphytic bacterial community composition of flowers and leaves of Ranunculus acris and Trifolium pratense. On 252 plant individuals, we characterized primary and specialized metabolites, that is, surface sugars, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and metabolic fingerprints, as well as epiphytic flower and leaf bacterial communities. The genomic potential of bacterial colonizers concerning metabolic capacities was assessed using bacterial reference genomes. Phytochemical composition displayed pronounced variation within and between plant species and organs, which explained part of the variation in bacterial community composition. Correlation network analysis suggests strain-specific correlations with metabolites. Analysis of bacterial reference genomes revealed taxon-specific metabolic capabilities that corresponded with genes involved in glycolysis and adaptation to osmotic stress. Our results show relationships between phytochemistry and the flower and leaf bacterial microbiomes suggesting that plants provide chemical niches for distinct bacterial communities. In turn, bacteria may induce alterations in the plants' chemical phenotype. Thus, our study may stimulate further research on the mechanisms of trait-based community assembly in epiphytic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gaube
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Polina Marchenko
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, D-33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Rabea Schweiger
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, D-33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Raimund Tenhaken
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Keller
- Cellular and Organismic Networks, Center for Organismic Adaptation (CORA), Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, D-82152, Germany
| | - Robert R Junker
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Evolutionary Ecology of Plants, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
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23
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Rutkowski D, Weston M, Vannette RL. Bees just wanna have fungi: a review of bee associations with nonpathogenic fungi. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad077. [PMID: 37422442 PMCID: PMC10370288 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee-fungus associations are common, and while most studies focus on entomopathogens, emerging evidence suggests that bees associate with a variety of symbiotic fungi that can influence bee behavior and health. Here, we review nonpathogenic fungal taxa associated with different bee species and bee-related habitats. We synthesize results of studies examining fungal effects on bee behavior, development, survival, and fitness. We find that fungal communities differ across habitats, with some groups restricted mostly to flowers (Metschnikowia), while others are present almost exclusively in stored provisions (Zygosaccharomyces). Starmerella yeasts are found in multiple habitats in association with many bee species. Bee species differ widely in the abundance and identity of fungi hosted. Functional studies suggest that yeasts affect bee foraging, development, and pathogen interactions, though few bee and fungal taxa have been examined in this context. Rarely, fungi are obligately beneficial symbionts of bees, whereas most are facultative bee associates with unknown or ecologically contextual effects. Fungicides can reduce fungal abundance and alter fungal communities associated with bees, potentially disrupting bee-fungi associations. We recommend that future study focus on fungi associated with non-honeybee species and examine multiple bee life stages to document fungal composition, abundance, and mechanistic effects on bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Rutkowski
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Makena Weston
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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24
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Thomas G, Rusman Q, Morrison WR, Magalhães DM, Dowell JA, Ngumbi E, Osei-Owusu J, Kansman J, Gaffke A, Pagadala Damodaram KJ, Kim SJ, Tabanca N. Deciphering Plant-Insect-Microorganism Signals for Sustainable Crop Production. Biomolecules 2023; 13:997. [PMID: 37371577 PMCID: PMC10295935 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Agricultural crop productivity relies on the application of chemical pesticides to reduce pest and pathogen damage. However, chemical pesticides also pose a range of ecological, environmental and economic penalties. This includes the development of pesticide resistance by insect pests and pathogens, rendering pesticides less effective. Alternative sustainable crop protection tools should therefore be considered. Semiochemicals are signalling molecules produced by organisms, including plants, microbes, and animals, which cause behavioural or developmental changes in receiving organisms. Manipulating semiochemicals could provide a more sustainable approach to the management of insect pests and pathogens across crops. Here, we review the role of semiochemicals in the interaction between plants, insects and microbes, including examples of how they have been applied to agricultural systems. We highlight future research priorities to be considered for semiochemicals to be credible alternatives to the application of chemical pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Thomas
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Quint Rusman
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - William R. Morrison
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502, USA;
| | - Diego M. Magalhães
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jordan A. Dowell
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Esther Ngumbi
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Jonathan Osei-Owusu
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya EY0329-2478, Ghana;
| | - Jessica Kansman
- Center for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Alexander Gaffke
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 6383 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308, USA;
| | | | - Seong Jong Kim
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University, MS 38677, USA;
| | - Nurhayat Tabanca
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Rd., Miami, FL 33158, USA
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25
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Choi J, Lee L, Maro A, Corl A, McGuire JA, Bowie RCK, Dudley R. Hummingbird ingestion of low-concentration ethanol within artificial nectar. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230306. [PMID: 37351493 PMCID: PMC10282586 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Both frugivores and nectarivores are potentially exposed to dietary ethanol produced by fermentative yeasts which metabolize sugars. Some nectarivorous mammals exhibit a preference for low-concentration ethanol solutions compared to controls of comparable caloric content, but behavioural responses to ethanol by nectar-feeding birds are unknown. We investigated dietary preference by Anna's Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) for ethanol-enhanced sucrose solutions. Via repeated binary-choice experiments, three adult male hummingbirds were exposed to sucrose solutions containing 0%, 1% or 2% ethanol; rates of volitional nectar consumption were measured over a 3 h interval. Hummingbirds did not discriminate between 0% and 1% ethanol solutions, but exhibited significantly reduced rates of consumption of a 2% ethanol solution. Opportunistic measurements of ethanol concentrations within hummingbird feeders registered values peaking at about 0.05%. Ethanol at low concentrations (i.e. up to 1%) is not aversive to Anna's Hummingbirds and may be characteristic of both natural and anthropogenic nectars upon which they feed. Given high daily amounts of nectar consumption by hummingbirds, chronic physiological exposure to ethanol can thus be substantial, although naturally occurring concentrations within floral nectar are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Choi
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lilianne Lee
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Aleksey Maro
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ammon Corl
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jimmy A. McGuire
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rauri C. K. Bowie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert Dudley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
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Bourne ME, Gloder G, Weldegergis BT, Slingerland M, Ceribelli A, Crauwels S, Lievens B, Jacquemyn H, Dicke M, Poelman EH. Parasitism causes changes in caterpillar odours and associated bacterial communities with consequences for host-location by a hyperparasitoid. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011262. [PMID: 36947551 PMCID: PMC10069771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms living in and on macroorganisms may produce microbial volatile compounds (mVOCs) that characterise organismal odours. The mVOCs might thereby provide a reliable cue to carnivorous enemies in locating their host or prey. Parasitism by parasitoid wasps might alter the microbiome of their caterpillar host, affecting organismal odours and interactions with insects of higher trophic levels such as hyperparasitoids. Hyperparasitoids parasitise larvae or pupae of parasitoids, which are often concealed or inconspicuous. Odours of parasitised caterpillars aid them to locate their host, but the origin of these odours and its relationship to the caterpillar microbiome are unknown. Here, we analysed the odours and microbiome of the large cabbage white caterpillar Pieris brassicae in relation to parasitism by its endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata. We identified how bacterial presence in and on the caterpillars is correlated with caterpillar odours and tested the attractiveness of parasitised and unparasitised caterpillars to the hyperparasitoid Baryscapus galactopus. We manipulated the presence of the external microbiome and the transient internal microbiome of caterpillars to identify the microbial origin of odours. We found that parasitism by C. glomerata led to the production of five characteristic volatile products and significantly affected the internal and external microbiome of the caterpillar, which were both found to have a significant correlation with caterpillar odours. The preference of the hyperparasitoid was correlated with the presence of the external microbiome. Likely, the changes in external microbiome and body odour after parasitism were driven by the resident internal microbiome of caterpillars, where the bacterium Wolbachia sp. was only present after parasitism. Micro-injection of Wolbachia in unparasitised caterpillars increased hyperparasitoid attraction to the caterpillars compared to untreated caterpillars, while no differences were found compared to parasitised caterpillars. In conclusion, our results indicate that host-parasite interactions can affect multi-trophic interactions and hyperparasitoid olfaction through alterations of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchel E Bourne
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Gloder
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Berhane T Weldegergis
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn Slingerland
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Ceribelli
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sam Crauwels
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department M2S, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H Poelman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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27
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Carey S, Zenchyzen B, Deneka AJ, Hall JC. Nectary development in Cleome violacea. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1085900. [PMID: 36844906 PMCID: PMC9949531 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1085900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nectaries are a promising frontier for plant evo-devo research, and are particularly fascinating given their diversity in form, position, and secretion methods across angiosperms. Emerging model systems permit investigations of the molecular basis for nectary development and nectar secretion across a range of taxa, which addresses fundamental questions about underlying parallelisms and convergence. Herein, we explore nectary development and nectar secretion in the emerging model taxa, Cleome violacea (Cleomaceae), which exhibits a prominent adaxial nectary. First, we characterized nectary anatomy and quantified nectar secretion to establish a foundation for quantitative and functional gene experiments. Next, we leveraged RNA-seq to establish gene expression profiles of nectaries across three key stages of development: pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-fertilization. We then performed functional studies on five genes that were putatively involved in nectary and nectar formation: CvCRABSCLAW (CvCRC), CvAGAMOUS (CvAG), CvSHATTERPROOF (CvSHP), CvSWEET9, and a highly expressed but uncharacterized transcript. These experiments revealed a high degree of functional convergence to homologues from other core Eudicots, especially Arabidopsis. CvCRC, redundantly with CvAG and CvSHP, are required for nectary initiation. Concordantly, CvSWEET9 is essential for nectar formation and secretion, which indicates that the process is eccrine based in C. violacea. While demonstration of conservation is informative to our understanding of nectary evolution, questions remain. For example, it is unknown which genes are downstream of the developmental initiators CvCRC, CvAG, and CvSHP, or what role the TCP gene family plays in nectary initiation in this family. Further to this, we have initiated a characterization of associations between nectaries, yeast, and bacteria, but more research is required beyond establishing their presence. Cleome violacea is an excellent model for continued research into nectary development because of its conspicuous nectaries, short generation time, and close taxonomic distance to Arabidopsis.
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28
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Barberis M, Calabrese D, Galloni M, Nepi M. Secondary Metabolites in Nectar-Mediated Plant-Pollinator Relationships. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:550. [PMID: 36771634 PMCID: PMC9920422 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, our understanding of the complex chemistry of floral nectar and its ecological implications for plant-pollinator relationships has certainly increased. Nectar is no longer considered merely a reward for pollinators but rather a plant interface for complex interactions with insects and other organisms. A particular class of compounds, i.e., nectar secondary compounds (NSCs), has contributed to this new perspective, framing nectar in a more comprehensive ecological context. The aim of this review is to draft an overview of our current knowledge of NSCs, including emerging aspects such as non-protein amino acids and biogenic amines, whose presence in nectar was highlighted quite recently. After considering the implications of the different classes of NSCs in the pollination scenario, we discuss hypotheses regarding the evolution of such complex nectar profiles and provide cues for future research on plant-pollinator relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barberis
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Calabrese
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Galloni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Nepi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), 90123 Palermo, Italy
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29
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Colazza S, Peri E, Cusumano A. Chemical Ecology of Floral Resources in Conservation Biological Control. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 68:13-29. [PMID: 36130040 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120220-124357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conservation biological control aims to enhance populations of natural enemies of insect pests in crop habitats, typically by intentional provision of flowering plants as food resources. Ideally, these flowering plants should be inherently attractive to natural enemies to ensure that they are frequently visited. We review the chemical ecology of floral resources in a conservation biological control context, with a focus on insect parasitoids. We highlight the role of floral volatiles as semiochemicals that attract parasitoids to the food resources. The discovery that nectar-inhabiting microbes can be hidden players in mediating parasitoid responses to flowering plants has highlighted the complexity of the interactions between plants and parasitoids. Furthermore, because food webs in agroecosystems do not generally stop at the third trophic level, we also consider responses of hyperparasitoids to floral resources. We thus provide an overview of floral compounds as semiochemicals from a multitrophic perspective, and we focus on the remaining questions that need to be addressed to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Colazza
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
| | - Ezio Peri
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
| | - Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; , ,
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30
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Niu J, Li X, Zhang S, Yao Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Peng X, Huang J, Peng F. Identification and functional studies of microbial volatile organic compounds produced by Arctic flower yeasts. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:941929. [PMID: 36684747 PMCID: PMC9850290 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.941929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) can serve as a communication channel among microorganisms, insects and plants, making them important in ecosystem. In order to understand the possible role of mVOCs in Arctic ecology, the microbes in Arctic flowers and their mVOCs and effects on plants were investigated. This study aims to isolate different yeast species from the flowers of five Arctic plant species and further to explore the function of mVOCs emitted by these microbes to plant. It was found that the composition and amount of mVOCs produced by the isolated yeasts were considerably affected by changes in incubation temperature. When the incubation temperature rose, the species of alcohols, aldehydes, esters, organic acids, and ketones increased, but substances specific to low temperature decreased or disappeared. When yeasts were co-cultured with Arabidopsis thaliana without any direct contact, mVOCs produced by the isolated yeasts inhibited the seed germination of A. thaliana at low temperatures; however, the mVOCs promoted the chlorophyll content, fresh weight, root weight and flowering rate of Arabidopsis plants. Although the overall growth-promoting effect of yeast mVOCs was higher at 20°C than at 10°C, the growth-promoting effect on roots, flowers and chlorophyll was highest at 10°C. When cultured at 10°C, the mVOCs produced by Cystofilobasidium capitatum A37, Cryptococcus sp. D41, and Sporidiobolus salmonicolor D27 had the highest growth-promoting effects on the root, flowering rate and chlorophyll content of Arabidopsis, respectively. In the co-culture system, some new mVOCs were detected, such as hendecane, tetradecane, and 1-hexanol that have been proven to promote plant growth. In addition, mVOCs of the isolated Arctic yeasts could inhibit the growth of several microorganisms, especially filamentous fungi. It was the first time to prove that mVOCs produced by the isolated yeasts had varying effects on plant growth at different incubating temperatures, providing a reference for the interactions between microorganisms and plants and their possible responses to climate change in the Arctic area. Moreover, the characteristics of promoting plant growth and inhibiting microbial growth by mVOCs of Arctic yeasts would lay a foundation for potential applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Niu
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuhuan Li
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoya Peng
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Huang
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Peng
- China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC), College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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31
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Mating M, Zou Y, Sharbati S, Einspanier R. The Active Site of the Enzyme 10-Formyl-THFDH in the Honey Bee Apis mellifera-A Key Player in Formic Acid Detoxification. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:354. [PMID: 36613799 PMCID: PMC9820478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are important managed pollinators that fulfill important ecological and economic functions. In recent decades, the obligate ectoparasite Varroa destructor severely affected the survival of honey bees, as it weakened them by different means. A common treatment against V. destructor is formic acid fumigation, which has been used for decades by beekeepers across the world. This treatment is known to be effective, but many beekeepers report adverse effects of formic acid on bees, which include damage to the brood, worker bee mortality, and queen loss. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of formic acid detoxification in honey bees. Recently, we reported upregulation of the bee enzyme, 10-formyl-THFDH, under formic acid fumigation. Here, the active site of this enzyme is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach combining homology modeling and protein mutagenesis. In addition, the limitations of the 3D protein structure prediction program AlphaFold2 are shown in regard to docking studies. This study provides a more thorough understanding of the molecular detoxification mechanisms of formic acid in Apis mellifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Mating
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ye Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Soroush Sharbati
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Einspanier
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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32
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Bhatt K, Suyal DC, Kumar S, Singh K, Goswami P. New insights into engineered plant-microbe interactions for pesticide removal. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136635. [PMID: 36183882 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, rapid industrialization along with the overutilization of organic pollutants/pesticides has altered the environmental circumstances. Moreover, various anthropogenic, xenobiotics and natural activities also affected plants, soil, and human health, in both direct and indirect ways. To counter this, several conventional methods are currently practiced, but are uneconomical, noxious, and is yet inefficient for large-scale application. Plant-microbe interactions are mediated naturally in an ecosystem and are practiced in several areas. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) possess certain attributes affecting plant and soil consequently performing decontamination activity via a direct and indirect mechanism. PGPR also harbors indispensable genes stimulating the mineralization of several organic and inorganic compounds. This makes microbes potential candidates for contributing to sustainably remediating the harmful pesticide contaminants. There is a limited piece of information about the plant-microbe interaction pertaining predict and understand the overall interaction concerning a sustainable environment. Therefore, this review focuses on the plant-microbe interaction in the rhizosphere and inside the plant's tissues, along with the utilization augmenting the crop productivity, reduction in plant stress along with decontamination of pesticides/organic pollutants in soil for sustainable environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Bhatt
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Deep Chandra Suyal
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - Saurabh Kumar
- ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, 800014, Bihar, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004, India
| | - Priya Goswami
- Department of Biotechnology, Mangalayatan University, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Micro"bee"ota: Honey Bee Normal Microbiota as a Part of Superorganism. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122359. [PMID: 36557612 PMCID: PMC9785237 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are model organisms for microbiota research. Gut microbiomes are very interesting for surveys due to their simple structure and relationship with hive production. Long-term studies reveal the gut microbiota patterns of various hive members, as well as the functions, sources, and interactions of the majority of its bacteria. But the fungal non-pathogenic part of gut microbiota is almost unexplored, likewise some other related microbiota. Honey bees, as superorganisms, interact with their own microorganisms, the microbial communities of food stores, hive surfaces, and other environments. Understanding microbiota diversity, its transition ways, and hive niche colonization control are necessary for understanding any separate microbiota niche because of their interplay. The long coevolution of bees with the microorganisms populating these niches makes these systems co-dependent, integrated, and stable. Interaction with the environment, hive, and other bees determines caste lifestyle as well as individual microbiota. In this article, we bring together studies on the microbiota of the western honey bee. We show a possible relationship between caste determination and microbiota composition. And what is primary: caste differentiation or microbiota composition?
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Vit P, van der Meulen J, Diaz M, Pedro SR, Esperança I, Zakaria R, Beckh G, Maza F, Meccia G, Engel MS. Impact of genus ( Geotrigona, Melipona, Scaptotrigona) in the targeted 1H-NMR organic profile, and authenticity test by interphase emulsion of honey processed in cerumen pots by stingless bees in Ecuador. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 6:100386. [PMID: 36846470 PMCID: PMC9947262 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biodiversity of Ecuadorian stingless bees is almost 200 species. Traditional pot-honey harvest in Ecuador is mostly done from nests of the three genera selected here Geotrigona Moure, 1943, Melipona Illiger, 1806, and Scaptotrigona Moure, 1942. The 20 pot-honey samples collected from cerumen pots and three ethnic honeys "abeja de tierra", "bermejo", and "cushillomishki" were analyzed for qualitative and quantitative targeted 1H-NMR honey profiling, and for the Honey Authenticity Test by Interphase Emulsion (HATIE). Extensive data of targeted organic compounds (41 parameters) were identified, quantified, and described. The three honey types were compared by ANOVA. Amino acids, ethanol, hydroxymethylfurfural, aliphatic organic acids, sugars, and markers of botanical origin. The number of phases observed with the HATIE were one in Scaptotrigona and three in Geotrigona and Melipona honeys. Acetic acid (19.60 ± 1.45 g/kg) and lactic acid (24.30 ± 1.65 g/kg) were particularly high in Geotrigona honey (in contrast to 1.3 g/kg acetic acid and 1.6 g/kg lactic acid in Melipona and Scaptotrigona), and with the lowest fructose + glucose (18.39 ± 1.68) g/100g honey compared to Melipona (52.87 ± 1.75) and Scaptotrigona (52.17 ± 0.60). Three local honeys were tested using PCA (Principal Component Analysis), two were assigned with a correct declared bee origin, but "bermejo" was not a Melipona and grouped with the Scaptotrigona cluster. However after HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) the three honeys were positioned in the Melipona-Scaptotrigona cluster. This research supports targeted 1H-NMR-based profiling of pot-honey metabolomics approach for multi-parameter visualization of organic compounds, as well as descriptive and pertained multivariate statistics (HCA and PCA) to discriminate the stingless bee genus in a set of Geotrigona, Melipona and Scaptotrigona honey types. The NMR characterization of Ecuadorian honey produced by stingless bees emphasizes the need for regulatory norms. A final note on stingless bee markers in pot-honey metabolites which should be screened for those that may extract phylogenetic signals from nutritional traits of honey. Scaptotrigona vitorum honey revealed biosurfactant activity in the HATIE, originating a fingerprint Honey Biosurfactant Test (HBT) for the genus in this set of pot-honeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Vit
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 5101, Venezuela
| | | | - Maria Diaz
- Quality Services International GmbH, 28199, Bremen, Germany
| | - Silvia R.M. Pedro
- Biology Department, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Esperança
- Institute of Chemistry, Universidad Federal de Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21945970, Brazil
| | - Rahimah Zakaria
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Gudrun Beckh
- Quality Services International GmbH, 28199, Bremen, Germany
| | - Favian Maza
- Faculty of Agricultural and Livestock Sciences, Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala, El Oro province, Ecuador
| | - Gina Meccia
- Research Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida 5101, Venezuela
| | - Michael S. Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 1501 Crestline Drive-Suite 140, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA
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35
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Parra ALC, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN, von Aderkas P, Borchers CH, Beattie GA, Silva FDA, Thornburg RW. Ornamental tobacco floral nectar is a rich source of antimicrobial peptides. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 324:111427. [PMID: 36007629 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although floral nectar is a rich source of nutrients, it is rarely infected by microorganisms. Defense molecules such as proteins have been identified in this fluid, but defense peptides have been largely overlooked. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an extensive peptidomic analysis of the ornamental tobacco floral nectar to seek peptides involved in nectar defense. Using LC-MS/MS, 793 peptides were sequenced and characterized. After extensive bioinformatics analysis, six peptides were selected for further characterization, synthesis, and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. All six peptides had antimicrobial activity to some extent. However, the activity varied by peptide concentration and microorganism tested. An analysis of the action mechanism revealed damage in the cell membrane induced by peptides. The results show that floral nectar is rich in peptides and that, together with proteins and hydrogen peroxide, they contribute to plant defense against microorganisms during pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura L C Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrick von Aderkas
- University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5, Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Gwyn A Beattie
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fredy D A Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Robert W Thornburg
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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36
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Eisen KE, Powers JM, Raguso RA, Campbell DR. An analytical pipeline to support robust research on the ecology, evolution, and function of floral volatiles. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1006416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on floral volatiles has grown substantially in the last 20 years, which has generated insights into their diversity and prevalence. These studies have paved the way for new research that explores the evolutionary origins and ecological consequences of different types of variation in floral scent, including community-level, functional, and environmentally induced variation. However, to address these types of questions, novel approaches are needed that can handle large sample sizes, provide quality control measures, and make volatile research more transparent and accessible, particularly for scientists without prior experience in this field. Drawing upon a literature review and our own experiences, we present a set of best practices for next-generation research in floral scent. We outline methods for data collection (experimental designs, methods for conducting field collections, analytical chemistry, compound identification) and data analysis (statistical analysis, database integration) that will facilitate the generation and interpretation of quality data. For the intermediate step of data processing, we created the R package bouquet, which provides a data analysis pipeline. The package contains functions that enable users to convert chromatographic peak integrations to a filtered data table that can be used in subsequent statistical analyses. This package includes default settings for filtering out non-floral compounds, including background contamination, based on our best-practice guidelines, but functions and workflows can be easily customized as necessary. Next-generation research into the ecology and evolution of floral scent has the potential to generate broadly relevant insights into how complex traits evolve, their genomic architecture, and their consequences for ecological interactions. In order to fulfill this potential, the methodology of floral scent studies needs to become more transparent and reproducible. By outlining best practices throughout the lifecycle of a project, from experimental design to statistical analysis, and providing an R package that standardizes the data processing pipeline, we provide a resource for new and seasoned researchers in this field and in adjacent fields, where high-throughput and multi-dimensional datasets are common.
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Li Z, Huang Q, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhong S, Zeng Z. Identification of the Toxic Compounds in Camellia oleifera Honey and Pollen to Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:13176-13185. [PMID: 36214176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c04950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the components of Camellia oleifera honey and pollen and conducting corresponding toxicological tests are essential to revealing the mechanism of Camellia oleifera toxicity to honey bees. In this research, we investigated the saccharides and alkaloids in honey, nectar, and pollen from Camellia oleifera, which were compared with honey, nectar, and pollen from Brassica napus, a widely planted flowering plant. The result showed that melibiose, manninotriose, raffinose, stachyose, and lower amounts of santonin and caffeine were found in Camellia oleifera nectar, pollen, and honey but not in B. napus nectar, pollen, and honey. Toxicological experiments indicated that manninotriose, raffinose, and stachyose in Camellia oleifera honey are toxic to bees, while alkaloids in Camellia oleifera pollen are not toxic to honey bees. The toxicity mechanism of oligosaccharides revealed by temporal metabolic profiling is that oligosaccharides cannot be further digested by honey bees and thus get accumulated in honey bees, disturbing the synthesis and metabolism of trehalose, ultimately causing honey bee mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Shiqing Zhong
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
| | - Zhijiang Zeng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, P. R. China
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Fenner ED, Scapini T, da Costa Diniz M, Giehl A, Treichel H, Álvarez-Pérez S, Alves SL. Nature's Most Fruitful Threesome: The Relationship between Yeasts, Insects, and Angiosperms. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:984. [PMID: 36294549 PMCID: PMC9605484 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of insects for angiosperm pollination is widely recognized. In fact, approximately 90% of all plant species benefit from animal-mediated pollination. However, only recently, a third part player in this story has been properly acknowledged. Microorganisms inhabiting floral nectar, among which yeasts have a prominent role, can ferment glucose, fructose, sucrose, and/or other carbon sources in this habitat. As a result of their metabolism, nectar yeasts produce diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other valuable metabolites. Notably, some VOCs of yeast origin can influence insects' foraging behavior, e.g., by attracting them to flowers (although repelling effects have also been reported). Moreover, when insects feed on nectar, they also ingest yeast cells, which provide them with nutrients and protect them from pathogenic microorganisms. In return, insects serve yeasts as transportation and a safer habitat during winter when floral nectar is absent. From the plant's point of view, the result is flowers being pollinated. From humanity's perspective, this ecological relationship may also be highly profitable. Therefore, prospecting nectar-inhabiting yeasts for VOC production is of major biotechnological interest. Substances such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and isobutanol have been reported in yeast volatomes, and they account for a global market of approximately USD 15 billion. In this scenario, the present review addresses the ecological, environmental, and biotechnological outlooks of this three-party mutualism, aiming to encourage researchers worldwide to dig into this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo D. Fenner
- Graduate Program in Environment and Sustainable Technologies, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo 97900-000, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Thamarys Scapini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim, Erechim 99700-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana da Costa Diniz
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Anderson Giehl
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
| | - Helen Treichel
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim, Erechim 99700-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sérgio L. Alves
- Graduate Program in Environment and Sustainable Technologies, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo 97900-000, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Yeast Biochemistry, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Campus Chapecó, Chapecó 89815-899, SC, Brazil
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39
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Yeasts from the nests of two Amazonian stingless bees: screening and PCR-RFLP molecular analysis. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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40
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Russell KA, McFrederick QS. Floral nectar microbial communities exhibit seasonal shifts associated with extreme heat: Potential implications for climate change and plant-pollinator interactions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:931291. [PMID: 36090097 PMCID: PMC9453676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.931291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral nectar contains vital nutrients for pollinators, including sugars, amino acids, proteins, and secondary compounds. As pollinators forage, they inoculate nectar with bacteria and fungi. These microbes can colonize nectaries and alter nectar properties, including volume and chemistry. Abiotic factors, such as temperature, can influence microbial community structure and nectar traits. Considering current climate change conditions, studying the effects of increased temperature on ecosystem processes like pollination is ever more important. In a manipulative field experiment, we used a passive-heating technique to increase the ambient temperature of a California native plant, Penstemon heterophyllus, to test the hypothesis that temperatures elevated an average of 0.5°C will affect nectar properties and nectar-inhabiting microbial communities. We found that passive-heat treatment did not affect nectar properties or microbial communities. Penstemon heterophyllus fruit set also was not affected by passive-heat treatments, and neither was capsule mass, however plants subjected to heat treatments produced significantly more seeds than control. Although we conducted pollinator surveys, no pollinators were recorded for the duration of our experiment. A naturally occurring extreme temperature event did, however, have large effects on nectar sugars and nectar-inhabiting microbial communities. The initially dominant Lactobacillus sp. was replaced by Sediminibacterium, while Mesorhizobium, and Acinetobacter persisted suggesting that extreme temperatures can interrupt nectar microbiome community assembly. Our study indicates that the quality and attractiveness of nectar under climate change conditions could have implications on plant-pollinator interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quinn S. McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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41
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Burgess EC, Schaeffer RN. The Floral Microbiome and Its Management in Agroecosystems: A Perspective. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:9819-9825. [PMID: 35917340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Disease management is critical to ensuring healthy crop yields and is often targeted at flowers because of their susceptibility to pathogens and direct link to reproduction. Many disease management strategies are unsustainable however because of the potential for pathogens to evolve resistance, or nontarget effects on beneficial insects. Manipulating the floral microbiome holds some promise as a sustainable alternative to chemical means of disease control. In this perspective, we discuss the current state of research concerning floral microbiome assembly and management in agroecosystems as well as future directions aimed at improving the sustainability of disease control and insect-mediated ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Burgess
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Robert N Schaeffer
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
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Russell KA, McFrederick QS. Elevated Temperature May Affect Nectar Microbes, Nectar Sugars, and Bumble Bee Foraging Preference. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:473-482. [PMID: 34596711 PMCID: PMC9436853 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar, an important resource for pollinators, is inhabited by microbes such as yeasts and bacteria, which have been shown to influence pollinator preference. Dynamic and complex plant-pollinator-microbe interactions are likely to be affected by a rapidly changing climate, as each player has their own optimal growth temperatures and phenological responses to environmental triggers, such as temperature. To understand how warming due to climate change is influencing nectar microbial communities, we incubated a natural nectar microbial community at different temperatures and assessed the subsequent nectar chemistry and preference of the common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens. The microbial community in floral nectar is often species-poor, and the cultured Brassica rapa nectar community was dominated by the bacterium Fructobacillus. Temperature increased the abundance of bacteria in the warmer treatment. Bumble bees preferred nectar inoculated with microbes, but only at the lower, ambient temperature. Warming therefore induced an increase in bacterial abundance which altered nectar sugars and led to significant differences in pollinator preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh A Russell
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Cusumano A, Bella P, Peri E, Rostás M, Guarino S, Lievens B, Colazza S. Nectar-Inhabiting Bacteria Affect Olfactory Responses of an Insect Parasitoid by Altering Nectar Odors. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:10.1007/s00248-022-02078-6. [PMID: 35913610 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Floral nectar is ubiquitously colonized by a variety of microorganisms among which yeasts and bacteria are the most common. Microorganisms inhabiting floral nectar can alter several nectar traits, including nectar odor by producing microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Evidence showing that mVOCs can affect the foraging behavior of insect pollinators is increasing in the literature, whereas the role of mVOCs in altering the foraging behavior of third-trophic level organisms such as insect parasitoids is largely overlooked. Parasitoids are frequent visitors of flowers and are well known to feed on nectar. In this study, we isolated bacteria inhabiting floral nectar of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Polygonales: Polygonaceae), to test the hypothesis that nectar bacteria affect the foraging behavior of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) via changes in odors of nectar. In behavioral assays, we found that T. basalis wasps are attracted toward nectar fermented by 4 out of the 14 bacterial strains isolated, which belong to Staphylococcus epidermidis, Terrabacillus saccharophilus (both Firmicutes), Pantoea sp. (Proteobacteria), and Curtobacterium sp. (Actinobacteria). Results of chemical investigations revealed significant differences in the volatile blend composition of nectars fermented by the bacterial isolates. Our results indicate that nectar-inhabiting bacteria play an important role in the interactions between flowering plants and foraging parasitoids. These results are also relevant from an applied perspective as flowering resources, such as buckwheat, are largely used in agriculture to promote conservation biological control of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bella
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Ezio Peri
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Michael Rostás
- Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Guarino
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Corso Calatafimi 414, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Willem De Croylaan 46, Leuven, KU, 3001, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), Leuven, KU, 3001, Belgium
| | - Stefano Colazza
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BATCenter), University of Napoli Federico II, 80055, Portici, Italy
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44
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Jones P, Agrawal AA. Caffeine and ethanol in nectar interact with flower color impacting bumblebee behavior. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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45
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Microbial Turnover and Dispersal Events Occur in Synchrony with Plant Phenology in the Perennial Evergreen Tree Crop Citrus sinensis. mBio 2022; 13:e0034322. [PMID: 35642946 PMCID: PMC9239260 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00343-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging research indicates that plant-associated microbes can alter plant developmental timing. However, it is unclear if host phenology affects microbial community assembly. Microbiome studies in annual or deciduous perennial plants face challenges in separating effects of tissue age from phenological driven effects on the microbiome. In contrast, evergreen perennial trees, like Citrus sinensis, retain leaves for years, allowing for uniform sampling of similarly aged leaves from the same developmental cohort. This aids in separating phenological effects on the microbiome from impacts due to annual leaf maturation/senescence. Here, we used this system to test the hypothesis that host phenology acts as a driver of microbiome composition. Citrus sinensis leaves and roots were sampled during seven phenological stages. Using amplicon-based sequencing, followed by diversity, phylogenetic, differential abundance, and network analyses, we examined changes in bacterial and fungal communities. Host phenological stage is the main determinant of microbiome composition, particularly within the foliar bacteriome. Microbial enrichment/depletion patterns suggest that microbial turnover and dispersal were driving these shifts. Moreover, a subset of community shifts were phylogenetically conserved across bacterial clades, suggesting that inherited traits contribute to microbe-microbe and/or plant-microbe interactions during specific phenophases. Plant phenology influences microbial community composition. These findings enhance understanding of microbiome assembly and identify microbes that potentially influence plant development and reproduction. IMPORTANCE Research at the forefront of plant microbiome studies indicates that plant-associated microbes can alter the timing of plant development (phenology). However, it is unclear if host phenological stage affects microbial community assembly. Microbiome studies in annual or deciduous perennial plants can face difficulty in separating effects of tissue age from phenological driven effects on the microbiome. Evergreen perennial plants, like sweet orange, maintain mature leaves for multiple years, allowing for uniform sampling of similarly aged tissue across host reproductive stages. Using this system, multiyear sampling, and high-throughput sequencing, we identified plant phenology as a major driver of microbiome composition, particularly within the leaf-associated bacterial communities. Distinct changes in microbial patterns suggest that microbial turnover and dispersal are mechanisms driving these community shifts. Additionally, closely related bacteria have similar abundance patterns across plant stages, indicating that inherited microbial traits may influence how bacteria respond to host developmental changes. Overall, this study illustrates that plant phenology does indeed govern microbiome seasonal shifts and identifies microbial candidates that may affect plant reproduction and development.
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Leonhardt SD, Peters B, Keller A. Do amino and fatty acid profiles of pollen provisions correlate with bacterial microbiomes in the mason bee Osmia bicornis? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210171. [PMID: 35491605 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee performance and well-being strongly depend on access to sufficient and appropriate resources, in particular pollen and nectar of flowers, which constitute the major basis of bee nutrition. Pollen-derived microbes appear to play an important but still little explored role in the plant pollen-bee interaction dynamics, e.g. through affecting quantities and ratios of important nutrients. To better understand how microbes in pollen collected by bees may affect larval health through nutrition, we investigated correlations between the floral, bacterial and nutritional composition of larval provisions and the gut bacterial communities of the solitary megachilid bee Osmia bicornis. Our study reveals correlations between the nutritional quality of pollen provisions and the complete bacterial community as well as individual members of both pollen provisions and bee guts. In particular pollen fatty acid profiles appear to interact with specific members of the pollen bacterial community, indicating that pollen-derived bacteria may play an important role in fatty acid provisioning. As increasing evidence suggests a strong effect of dietary fatty acids on bee performance, future work should address how the observed interactions between specific fatty acids and the bacterial community in larval provisions relate to health in O. bicornis. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Diana Leonhardt
- Plant-Insect Interactions, TUM School of Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Birte Peters
- Department for Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Emil Fischer Strasse, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Keller
- Cellular and Organismic Networks, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Martin VN, Schaeffer RN, Fukami T. Potential effects of nectar microbes on pollinator health. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210155. [PMID: 35491594 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral nectar is prone to colonization by nectar-adapted yeasts and bacteria via air-, rain-, and animal-mediated dispersal. Upon colonization, microbes can modify nectar chemical constituents that are plant-provisioned or impart their own through secretion of metabolic by-products or antibiotics into the nectar environment. Such modifications can have consequences for pollinator perception of nectar quality, as microbial metabolism can leave a distinct imprint on olfactory and gustatory cues that inform foraging decisions. Furthermore, direct interactions between pollinators and nectar microbes, as well as consumption of modified nectar, have the potential to affect pollinator health both positively and negatively. Here, we discuss and integrate recent findings from research on plant-microbe-pollinator interactions and their consequences for pollinator health. We then explore future avenues of research that could shed light on the myriad ways in which nectar microbes can affect pollinator health, including the taxonomic diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate pollinators that rely on this reward. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tadashi Fukami
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Gaiarsa MP, Rehan S, Barbour MA, McFrederick QS. Individual dietary specialization in a generalist bee varies across populations but has no effect on the richness of associated microbial communities. Am Nat 2022; 200:730-737. [DOI: 10.1086/721023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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de Vega C, Albaladejo RG, Álvarez-Pérez S, Herrera CM. Contrasting effects of nectar yeasts on the reproduction of Mediterranean plant species. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:393-405. [PMID: 35315515 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Yeasts are often present in floral nectar and can influence plant fitness directly (independently of pollinators) or indirectly by influencing pollinator visitation and behavior. However, few studies have assessed the effect of nectar yeasts on plant reproductive success or compared effects across different plant species, limiting our understanding of the relative impact of direct vs. indirect effects. METHODS We inoculated the nectar of six plant species in the field with the cosmopolitan yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii to analyze the direct and indirect effects on female reproductive success over 2 years. The pollinator assemblage for each species was recorded during both flowering years. RESULTS Direct yeast effects on female fecundity were statistically nonsignificant for all plant species. There were significant indirect, pollinator-mediated effects on fruit production and seed mass for the two species pollinated almost exclusively by bumblebees or hawkmoths, with the direction of the effects differing for the quantity- and quality-related fitness components. There were no consistent effects of the yeast on maternal fecundity for any of the species with diverse pollinator assemblages. CONCLUSIONS Effects of M. reukaufii on plant reproduction ranged from negative to neutral or positive depending on the plant species. The among-species variation in the indirect effects of nectar yeasts on plant pollination could reflect variation in the pollinator community, the specific microbes colonizing the nectar, and the order of microbial infection (priority effects), determining potential species interactions. Elucidating the nature of these multitrophic plant-pollinator-microbe interactions is important to understand complex processes underlying plant pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara de Vega
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle Profesor García González n 2. 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rafael G Albaladejo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle Profesor García González n 2. 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Crowley-Gall A, Trouillas FP, Niño EL, Schaeffer RN, Nouri MT, Crespo M, Vannette RL. Floral Microbes Suppress Growth of Monilinia laxa with Minimal Effects on Honey Bee Feeding. PLANT DISEASE 2022; 106:432-438. [PMID: 34455807 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-21-0549-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Management of Monilinia laxa, the causal agent of brown rot blossom blight in almond (Prunus dulcis), relies heavily on the use of chemical fungicides during bloom. However, chemical fungicides can have nontarget effects on beneficial arthropods, including pollinators, and select for resistance in the pathogen of concern. Almond yield is heavily reliant on successful pollination by healthy honey bees (Apis mellifera); thus, identifying sustainable, effective, and pollinator-friendly control methods for blossom blight during bloom is desirable. Flower-inhabiting microbes could provide a natural, sustainable form of biocontrol for M. laxa, while potentially minimizing costly nontarget effects on almond pollinators and the services they provide. As pollinators are sensitive to floral microbes and their associated taste and scent cues, assessing effects of prospective biocontrol species on pollinator attraction is also necessary. Here, our objective was to isolate and identify potential biocontrol microbes from an array of agricultural and natural flowering hosts and test their efficacy in suppressing M. laxa growth in culture. Out of an initial 287 bacterial and fungal isolates identified, 56 were screened using a dual culture plate assay. Most strains reduced M. laxa growth in vitro. Ten particularly effective candidate microbes were further screened for their effect on honey bee feeding. Of the 10, nine were found to both strongly suppress M. laxa growth in culture and not reduce honey bee feeding. These promising results suggest a number of strong candidates for augmentative microbial biocontrol of brown rot blossom blight in almond with potentially minimal effects on honey bee pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Crowley-Gall
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Florent P Trouillas
- Department of Plant Pathology, University California-Davis and Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Elina L Niño
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | - Mohamed T Nouri
- University of California Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County, Stockton, CA 95206
| | - Maria Crespo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University California-Davis and Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616
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