Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oystein H. Opedal, W. Scott Armbruster, Thomas F. Hansen, Agnes Holstad, Christophe Pelabon, Stefan Andersson, Diane R. Campbell, Christina M. Caruso, Lynda F. Delph, Christopher G. Eckert, Asa Lankinen, Greg M. Walter, Jon Agren, Geir H. Bolstad
Summary: Understanding the causes and limits of population divergence in phenotypic traits is important for evolutionary biology and can predict adaptation to environmental change. This study analyzed a large database of plant populations and found that evolutionary divergence scaled positively with genetic variability within populations. Additionally, vegetative traits showed greater divergence compared to reproductive traits. These results suggest that there is predictability and genetic constraints in trait divergence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Thijmen Breeschoten, M. Eric Schranz, Erik H. Poelman, Sabrina Simon
Summary: Polyphagous insects exhibit specialization in feeding on different host plants and their transcriptional plasticity is highly species-specific. High herbivore success on specific host plants is driven by species-specific transcriptional plasticity, and more distantly related species show convergence in the expression of multiple homologous genes. Specific transcriptional responses are observed within phylogenetic lineages.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ya-Zhou He, Yu-Meng Wang, Tian-Yan Yin, Wilmer J. Cuellar, Shu-Sheng Liu, Xiao-Wei Wang
Summary: The study reveals the interaction between whitefly midgut protein vitellogenin (Vg) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) coat protein, which is important for virus movement across the midgut barrier and facilitates viral acquisition and transmission by whiteflies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gemma I. Martinez-Redondo, Carolina Simon Guerrero, Leandro Aristide, Pau Balart-Garcia, Vanina Tonzo, Rosa Fernandez
Summary: The physiological challenge of water loss during the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments is a key aspect of animal terrestrialization. Aquaporins, a family of membrane water transporters, play an important role in osmoregulation. However, the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of aquaporins in most animal lineages are still largely unknown. This study investigated the evolution of aquaporin genes in major terrestrial animal lineages and found parallel gene duplications during the transition from marine to nonmarine environments, suggesting their significance in facilitating terrestrial adaptation.
Article
Physiology
Joachim Van Lommel, Michiel Holtof, Laurentijn Tilleman, Dorien Cools, Seppe Vansteenkiste, Daria Polgun, Rik Verdonck, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: This study compared the gene expression profiles in the midgut of desert locusts at different time points after feeding and identified genes associated with digestion, immunity, and xenobiotic metabolism. Additionally, two vital transcripts were found, and their knockdown resulted in increased mortality, indicating their potential as insecticidal targets.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Osnat Malka, Ester Feldmesser, Sharon van Brunschot, Diego Santos-Garcia, Wen-Hao Han, Susan Seal, John Colvin, Shai Morin
Summary: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci consists of a complex group of cryptic species with variations in their adaptability to different host plants and metabolic gene expression. The genetic differences in responses to host switching among different B. tabaci species are associated with their individual metabolic tool kit.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Corne F. H. van Der Linden, Michiel F. WallisDeVries, Sabrina Simon
Summary: Plant chemical defenses play a crucial role in shaping butterfly assemblages, with shared chemical defenses between plant families having a stronger impact on butterfly overlap than phylogenetic relatedness. Variability in butterfly-host relationships is attributed to the diversity of antiherbivore traits across plant families and insect herbivory associations.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Joshua Tyler, Jane L. Younger
Summary: Diving is a relatively rare and highly specialized foraging strategy observed mostly in waterbirds. The study reveals that diving has independently evolved at least 14 times within waterbirds and this evolution is irreversible. There is no evidence to support the idea that plunge diving is an intermediate evolutionary state. The findings also highlight the varying optimal body mass and constraints for different types of diving.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belinda Kahnt, Panagiotis Theodorou, Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, Renske E. Onstein
Summary: Pollination and seed dispersal by animals are crucial for plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. This study examines the evolution of mutualistic behaviors in lizards, revealing the repeated evolution of flower visitation and seed dispersal in these species. The findings suggest a potential evolutionary mechanism behind the emergence of double mutualisms, with seed dispersal activity pre-dating flower visitation.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
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)
Review
Plant Sciences
Orlando Schwery, Breanna N. Sipley, Mariana P. Braga, Yan Yang, Roberto Rebollo, Pengjuan Zu
Summary: The astonishing diversity of plants and insects and their interactions are fundamental in terrestrial ecosystems. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), play important roles in mediating plant-insect interactions. However, there is still limited understanding of the macroevolutionary roles of these chemical communication systems. This review highlights the need for integrating metabolome analysis techniques and phylogenetic methods to gain a mechanistic understanding of the macroevolutionary roles of VOCs in plant-insect interactions.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nicholas M. A. Crouch, Joseph A. Tobias
Summary: Episodic pulses of morphological diversification are a prominent feature of evolutionary history. By analyzing global phylogenetic and morphological data for birds, we found that these pulses tend to occur independently and are associated with habitat niche stability. Our results highlight the potential of functional trait data sets in refining macroevolutionary models.
Article
Biology
Andrew B. Leslie, Luke Mander
Summary: Reproductive structures of vascular plants have become more complex over time, with highly differentiated parts interacting in specialized ways. This study shows that interactions within reproductive structures have generally increased over time, leading to more compact and functionally integrated structures. These processes are widespread across plant lineages, but vary in extent and timing depending on the reproductive biology.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Etzel Garrido, Karina Boege, Cesar A. Dominguez, Juan Fornoni
Summary: Plants use defense priming to reduce the negative effects of damage and they are able to recognize local insect populations, resulting in reduced damage and seed production.
Letter
Evolutionary Biology
Matthew P. Nelsen, Corrie S. Moreau, C. Kevin Boyce, Richard H. Ree
Summary: The success of various lineages is partly due to changes in vegetation. The evolutionary history of ants is closely associated with the evolution and spread of flowering plants. This study investigates the diversification of ants in relation to flowering plants and biome evolution, focusing on their expansion from forested to non-forested biomes and the relationship between climatic niche evolution and arboreal nesting. The spread of ants into non-forested biomes during the Paleogene-Neogene era was likely driven by the evolution and expansion of arid-adapted angiosperms, providing food for ants. The choice of nesting location in trees is linked to evolutionary innovations in angiosperm physiology and the establishment of everwet tropical rainforests. Differences in climatic optima and climate niche evolution are also associated with nesting location, with arboreal nesters preferring warmer and less seasonal climates and exhibiting slower rates of climatic niche evolution. This research offers new insights into the impact of flowering plant evolution on the ecology and evolution of associated lineages.
Article
Entomology
Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Amrita Chakraborty, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe, Amit Roy
Summary: Termites are both keystone species in the ecosystem and pests with significant economic impacts. Scientists are exploring the use of RNAi technology to combat termites, but face challenges due to their social nature and habitats. Genome sequencing projects on termite species offer opportunities for designing RNAi-based termiticides. This perspective highlights existing RNAi-based studies on eusocial termite pests and discusses the prospects for RNAi-termiticides.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
N. Vosvrdova, A. Johansson, M. Turcani, R. Jakus, D. Tyser, F. Schlyter, R. Modlinger
Summary: One of the most promising techniques for rapid detection of bark beetle-infested trees is the use of specially trained dogs. In a study comparing dogs with human bark beetle specialists, dog-handler pairs were overall more successful in detecting infested trees. The use of dogs for detection can significantly extend the window of time for prompt removal of infested trees.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Amit Roy
Summary: Arthropod pests have the ability to rapidly adapt to new environmental stressors, such as insecticides and climate change. The interaction between epigenetics and genetics helps explain how these adaptations occur. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in governing insecticide resistance and adaptation to climate change by modulating gene expression. This review highlights the importance of recent advancements in understanding epigenetic regulation in insects and their symbiotic microbes, and discusses the potential applications for managing insecticide resistance and pest resilience to climate change.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shrishti Naidu, Jyotsna Pandey, Lokesh C. Mishra, Amrita Chakraborty, Amit Roy, Indrakant K. Singh, Archana Singh
Summary: In the face of global warming and climate change, plants are subject to various biotic stresses, which hinder their growth and productivity. Nanotechnology, especially the utilization of silicon/silica nanoparticles, has emerged as a sustainable approach to tackle biotic and abiotic constraints in agriculture. These nanoparticles possess unique chemical and optoelectronic properties and can be easily synthesized using different methods for foliar, soil, or seed priming. Once taken up and transported by plants, they promote growth, development, and tolerance against environmental stresses, as well as pest attack and pathogen infection. Si/SiO2NPs not only facilitate nutrient delivery but also enhance plant resistance, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for sustainable agriculture.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
William Rodney Cooper, William B. Walker III, Gina M. Angelella, Kylie D. Swisher Grimm, Jillian J. Foutz, Scott J. Harper, Louis B. Nottingham, Tobin D. Northfield, Carrie H. Wohleb, Carl A. Strausbaugh
Summary: Insects often carry bacterial endosymbionts that provide them with benefits such as nutrition and protection against various factors. This study identified and confirmed the presence of bacterial endosymbionts in leafhopper vectors of different phytoplasma species. The study also found associations between specific endosymbionts and plant pathogens. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the interactions between leafhoppers, bacterial endosymbionts, and phytoplasma.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shelja Sandal, Satnam Singh, Gulshan Bansal, Ramandeep Kaur, Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Suneet Pandher, Amit Roy, Gurmeet Kaur, Pankaj Rathore, Anu Kalia
Summary: This study used RNA-seq transcriptomics and RT-qPCR gene expression analysis to identify suitable reference genes and investigate RNA interference in the spotted bollworm. It was found that nanoparticle-shielded dsRNA can effectively silence target genes, indicating the potential of nanoparticle-based RNAi for pest management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stanislav Machacek, Michal Tupec, Natan Horacek, Martina Halmova, Amit Roy, Ales Machara, Pavlina Kyjakova, Ondrej Luksan, Iva Pichova, Robert Hanus
Summary: Through studying the FAD homologs from 57 species of termites and their close relatives, researchers have identified the evolutionary origin of termites' ability to reproduce and digest, which is crucial for their ecological success.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matilda Lindmark, Suresh Ganji, Erika Wallin, Fredrik Schlyter, C. Rikard Unelius
Summary: Bark beetles introduce symbiotic fungal species into their host trees during mass attacks, helping overcome tree defense and degrade toxic resins. This study evaluated volatile emissions from an insect-associated blue stain fungus over time and tested the insect response in a field trapping experiment.
Review
Plant Sciences
Mohini Kajla, Amit Roy, Indrakant K. Singh, Archana Singh
Summary: Biotic stresses pose a threat to global food security and crop yield worldwide. Plants respond to these stresses by triggering various adaptive changes, including the synthesis and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. Transcription factors and miRNAs play crucial roles in regulating the production of these metabolites during stress conditions. This review summarizes the role of stress-inducible TFs in synthesizing and accumulating secondary metabolites and highlights how miRNAs fine-tune the expression of stress-responsive transcription factors during biotic stress.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Anirban Bhar, Amrita Chakraborty, Amit Roy
Summary: The immune response in plants depends on intracellular signalling molecules and involves pathogen recognition, signal perception, and signal transduction. Calcium ions play a crucial role in both PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), activating various proteins involved in defense signaling. Decoding the calcium ionic map is essential for understanding plant-microbe interactions and defense pathways. This review aims to provide insights into the early sensing of calcium oscillation, signaling events, and mechanistic roles of calcium in plants during pathogen invasion, laying the foundation for future research.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Katerina Hamouzova, Madhab Kumar Sen, Rohit Bharati, Pavlina Kosnarova, Md Rafique Ahasan Chawdhery, Amit Roy, Josef Soukup
Summary: The continuous use of herbicides has led to the evolution of resistance globally. New cases of herbicide resistance are reported every year. It is crucial to stop resistance from spreading worldwide.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Aisha Naseer, Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Gothandapani Sellamuthu, Amit Roy
Summary: The Eurasian spruce bark beetle (ESBB) has caused catastrophic damage to Norway spruce forests in Europe, resulting in a significant loss of wood. Traditional forest management strategies have not been effective, and new measures are needed. This study aims to understand the physiology and adaptation of ESBB by analyzing gene expression in different life stages and tissues of the beetle. The findings provide insights into ESBB physiology and adaptation and can be used for future RNAi-based ESBB management.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zheng Wang, Ya Liu, Huimin Wang, Amit Roy, Huixiang Liu, Fuzhong Han, Xingyao Zhang, Quan Li
Summary: This study presents the genome of I. nitidus and reveals its potential adaptability to conifer hosts and high-altitude hypoxic environments, as well as the role of fungal symbionts in this process. It contributes to our understanding of insect adaptation, symbiosis, and pest management.
Article
Horticulture
Francisco Ruben Badenes-Perez, David G. Heckel
Summary: Based on the experiments conducted, the diamondback moth, a major pest of cruciferous crops, does not show preference for the abaxial or adaxial leaf surfaces or for host plants based on their diet. However, larval preference is influenced by glucosinolate content, indicating that crops with higher glucosinolate content are more susceptible to damage by the diamondback moth. These findings are significant in the management of this pest.
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Zubair Ashraf, Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Gothandapani Sellamuthu, Valentina Siino, Fredrik Levander, Amit Roy
Summary: This study used comparative proteomics to investigate the digestion and detoxification processes in male and female I. typographus during their callow and sclerotized stages. The differential abundance proteins identified were mainly involved in binding, catalytic activity, anatomical activity, hydrolase activity, metabolic process, and carbohydrate metabolism, which are crucial for growth, digestion, detoxification, and signalling in the beetles. Furthermore, different protein regulation patterns were observed in metabolic and functional processes between the developmental stages of I. typographus.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)