Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cecilia Mittelberger, Bettina Hause, Katrin Janik
Summary: The study reveals the interaction between the bacterial pathogen 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' and MdTCP16 gene, which may contribute to the characteristic symptoms of apple proliferation disease.
Article
Entomology
Diana G. Najera, Neal T. Dittmer, Jacob J. Weber, Michael R. Kanost, Maureen J. Gorman
Summary: The study identified four orthologous groups of insect transferrins, with transferrin 1 most likely to play an important role in iron homeostasis, while transferrins 2, 3, and 4 are unlikely to. Lineages of lice, aphids, and thrips seem to have lost the transferrin 1 gene and evolved new mechanisms for iron management.
Article
Geography, Physical
Artai A. Santos, Luis M. Sender, Torsten Wappler, Michael S. Engel, Jose B. Diez
Summary: The passage presents the first evidence of plant-insect interactions from an ephemeral volcanic island, focusing mainly on interactions in leaves of Cycadophytes. These interactions have been categorized into different Damage Types and Functional Feeding Groups, suggesting colonization by various insect groups.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jelena Jovic, Ivo Tosevski
Summary: The study aims to develop molecular tools for discriminating three host plant associations of Hyalesthes obsoletus, a vector of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani'. Multiplex PCR was designed to differentiate the host plant associations based on the size of amplified fragments. The method provides valuable information on disease epidemiology and transmission routes when combined with 'Ca. P. solani' genotyping, offering insights into the phylogenetic lineage and natural host preferences of H. obsoletus.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yinghua Huang, Jian Huang
Summary: In this study, defensive responses of sorghum against greenbug aphids were analyzed and aphid resistance genes in sorghum were identified. The results showed that sorghum's resistance to aphids involves direct host defense and signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis confirmed the results of the microarray study. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying host plant defense against aphids and can contribute to the development of more effective aphid control strategies.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Grayson L. Cave, Andre J. West, Marian G. McCord, Bryan Koene, J. Benjamin Beck, Jean M. Deguenon, Kun Luan, R. Michael Roe
Summary: Pesticide-free, 3-D, spacer fabrics were investigated as a potential insect barrier for organic farming. The fabrics showed excellent resistance to penetration by thrips and caterpillars, and covered cabbage plants exhibited significantly faster growth.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ayaovi Agbessenou, Komivi S. Akutse, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Fathiya M. Khamis
Summary: The use of endophytic fungi, such as Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4, can significantly improve plant performance and enhance plant protection against pests like Tuta absoluta. This study demonstrates that the presence of the endophytic fungus affects the behavior and selection of T. absoluta, as well as the chemical composition of the tomato plant. The production of (Z)-jasmone by the fungus activates defense pathways in the plant, while methyl salicylate could be a potential semiochemical for T. absoluta management. These findings contribute to the development of environmentally friendly strategies for managing T. absoluta.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhenfei Zhang, Yong Liu, Vincent Portaluri, Christine Woodcock, John A. Pickett, Senshan Wang, Jing-Jiang Zhou
Summary: The interaction between food crops and insect pests is mediated by semiochemicals emitted from host plants. The study identified eight rice neuroactive semiochemicals and found that uninfested plants emit semiochemicals that are attractive to pests, but this attractiveness can be reduced by adding a blend mimicking the composition of semiochemicals emitted by infested plants. This research suggests a mechanism for the spread of pest infestation from infested plants to nearby uninfested plants, which can be used for crop protection strategies.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Victoria de Leon, Katharine Orr, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Kranthi Mandadi, Freddy Ibanez-Carrasco
Summary: This study examines the effects of plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on host-vector-pathogen interactions. Soil-drench applications of PGPRs to tomato seedlings showed increased root length and biomass in host plants, delayed colonization of CLso pathogen transmitted by the potato psyllid, and changes in psyllid behavior and progeny sex ratio. Based on the results, PGPR may have practical use in commercial tomato production.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xilei Li, Tiantian Chen, Ruihan Xu, Mengting Huang, Jiawei Huang, Qiming Xie, Fan Liu, Shiping Su, Keyi Ma
Summary: MF is a crucial substance in regulating physiological processes in crustaceans, and understanding its synthetic and degradation pathways is important for maintaining appropriate levels of MF. This study identified Es-CXE5 as potentially responsible for degrading MF in the hepatopancreas of Chinese mitten crab, potentially impacting ovarian development.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Francine Yuriko Otsuka Rocha, Aldomario Santo Negrisoli Junior, Gustavo Feitosa de Matos, Patricia de Medeiros Gitahy, Carolina Nachi Rossi, Marcia Soares Vidal, Jose Ivo Baldani
Summary: This study identified a great diversity of culturable Bacillus species within plant niches and in the digestive tract of the giant borer, with 11 strains corresponding to B. thuringiensis species. These findings suggest the possibility of developing an efficient biological control method for the giant borer using these identified strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Robin Heinen, Madhav P. Thakur, Jetske R. Hiddes De Fries, Katja Steinauer, Simon Vandenbrande, Renske Jongen, T. Martijn Bezemer
Summary: Plants leave legacy effects in the soil, which can influence future generations of plants and associated herbivores. In a greenhouse study, we exposed 10 plant species to insect herbivory or kept them herbivore-free, and then used the soil legacies to grow plant communities. We found that herbivore-induced soil legacies affected responding herbivores through changes in plant community shoot: root ratios, and had negative effects on the growth of plants of the same functional group.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Katerina Sam, Eliska Kovarova, Inga Freiberga, Henriette Uthe, Alexander Weinhold, Leonardo R. Jorge, Rachakonda Sreekar
Summary: The research demonstrates that great tits can learn to identify herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as an indicator of food reward, rather than it being an innate ability. They are able to associate HIPVs with food reward through learning, but are not capable of generalizing this ability among different tree species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Luciana Galetto, Simona Abba, Marika Rossi, Matteo Ripamonti, Sabrina Palmano, Domenico Bosco, Cristina Marzachi
Summary: Silencing of ATP synthase beta was successfully achieved in leafhoppers by injecting specific dsRNAs, resulting in long-lasting effects and significant reduction in phytoplasma acquisition capability.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Luciana Galetto, Matteo Ripamonti, Simona Abba, Marika Rossi, Marcello Manfredi, Domenico Bosco, Cristina Marzachi
Summary: RNA interference can silence ATP synthase beta in Euscelidius variegatus, leading to female sterility. Besides ATP synthase beta, hexamerin and cathepsin L also play important roles in oocyte and egg development.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matteo Ripamonti, Luca Cerone, Simona Abba, Marika Rossi, Sara Ottati, Sabrina Palmano, Cristina Marzachi, Luciana Galetto
Summary: This study discovered the presence of RNA interference (RNAi) machinery in the insect species Scaphoideus titanus, which is the natural vector of a plant disease. Injection of dsRNA targeting a specific gene in S. titanus led to gene silencing and observed changes in egg development and protein expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Simona Abba, Marika Rossi, Marta Vallino, Luciana Galetto, Cristina Marzachi, Massimo Turina
Summary: Phytoplasmas are pathogenic bacteria transmitted by insects, causing significant economic losses in crops worldwide. The microbial community associated with insect vectors plays a role in their biology and vector competence. Studying the diversity of the microbiome of phytoplasma insect vectors is important for developing microbe-based pest control strategies and reducing the use of insecticides. This study used RNA-Seq data to analyze the microbial community associated with the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus in its native and invasive areas. The findings identified stable microbial associations and highlighted potential targets for biocontrol strategies against Flavescence doree spread in Europe.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Matteo Ripamonti, Luciana Galetto, Federico Maron, Cristina Marzachi, Domenico Bosco
Summary: This study investigated the fitness parameters of Scaphoideus titanus, a leafhopper that spreads Flavescence doree phytoplasma to grapevines, on three different grapevine varieties. The results showed that the leafhopper exhibited the highest fitness on Barbera, while its performance was significantly reduced on Moscato. These findings provide insights into the resistance of grapevines to pests and pathogens, which can contribute to the development of sustainable control strategies in viticulture.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Giulia Tarquini, Paolo Ermacora, Marta Martini, Giuseppe Firrao
Summary: Since its discovery in 2012, the grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) has been discussed as the causative agent of grapevine leaf mottling and deformation (GMLD) syndrome. Over the past 10 years, evidence has emerged regarding the role of genetic and varietal diversity in the virus and host, as well as their interaction in antiviral defense and virus-mediated defense suppression. However, there is still a challenge in fully understanding the molecular events and environmental conditions that can affect viral infection severity and symptom display. The widespread spread of GPGV raises concerns about its potential as an emerging threat to the grapevine industry.
Article
Entomology
Nicola Bodino, Vincenzo Cavalieri, Maria Saponari, Crescenza Dongiovanni, Giuseppe Altamura, Domenico Bosco
Summary: This study shows that the sharpshooter Cicadella viridis has a low transmission rate of Xylella fastidiosa and its ecological constraints make it difficult to play a significant role in spreading the exotic bacterium within Europe.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Nicola Bodino, Vincenzo Cavalieri, Crescenza Dongiovanni, Maria Saponari, Domenico Bosco
Summary: The spatial-temporal dynamics and transmission biology of spittlebug populations play a crucial role in understanding the disease epidemiology of Xylella fastidiosa in Apulian olive groves. The spread of the pathogen is influenced by various factors, such as pathogen colonization, vector acquisition and inoculation, vector population dynamics, and dispersal. Despite advances in research on X. fastidiosa vectors in Europe, uncertainties remain, hindering a comprehensive understanding of pathogen epidemiology and effective management strategies. This review aims to provide a structured overview of key traits of X. fastidiosa vectors in the Apulian epidemic, identify knowledge gaps, and stimulate further research on X. fastidiosa pathosystems in Europe.
Article
Zoology
Giulia Papa, Simona Abba, Luciana Galetto, Cecilia Parise, Cristina Marzachi, Ilaria Negri
Summary: This study explored the virome associated with H. halys populations in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy using RNA-Seq data. Six complete viral genomes were identified, including three previously unknown viruses belonging to different virus orders. Halyomorpha halys ifla-like virus 2 was found to be the most geographically widespread virus and was often found in combination with other viruses in the insects. Further research on virus-virus interactions and their relationship with the insect host could potentially lead to the development of targeted biocontrol agents for H. halys.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Marika Rossi, Sara Ottati, Luca Bucci, Alessia Fusco, Simona Abba, Domenico Bosco, Cristina Marzachi, Luciana Galetto
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging tool in crop protection that regulates gene expression in eukaryotes by silencing essential pest genes with exogenous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). However, delivering dsRNAs to sap-sucking insects is a challenge. This study focuses on leafhopper species and investigates plant-mediated delivery of RNAi as an alternative method. The results demonstrate that soaking nymphs in a dsRNA solution or feeding them on dsRNA-treated plants can effectively silence target genes.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luciana Galetto, Massimo Pesando, Simona Abba, Nicola Bodino, Cristina Marzachi
Summary: The expression profiles of 11 genes of Flavescence doree phytoplasma were analyzed in natural and experimental hosts. The study revealed that the expression patterns of these genes differed between plants and insects, indicating different behaviors of Flavescence doree phytoplasma in the two hosts.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)