Microbial associates of the elm leaf beetle: uncovering the absence of resident bacteria and the influence of fungi on insect performance

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2024 Jan 5:e0105723. doi: 10.1128/aem.01057-23. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOur study provides insights into the still understudied role of microbial symbionts in the biology of the elm leaf beetle (ELB), a major pest of elms. Contrary to expectations, we found no persistent bacterial symbionts associated with the ELB or elm leaves. Our research thus contributes to the growing body of knowledge that not all insects rely on bacterial symbionts. While no persistent bacterial symbionts were detectable in the ELB and elm leaf samples, our analyses revealed the persistent presence of fungi, particularly Penicillium and Aspergillus on both elm leaves and in the feeding ELB stages. Moreover, when ELB were fed with fungus-treated elm leaves, we detected a potentially beneficial effect of Penicillium on the ELB's development and fecundity. Our results highlight the significance of fungal symbionts in the biology of this insect.PMID:38179921 | DOI:10.1128/aem.01057-23

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - January 5, 2024 Category: Microbiology Authors: Johanna Schott Juliette Rakei Mitja Remus-Emsermann Paul Johnston Susan Mbedi Sarah Sparmann Monika Hilker Luis R Paniagua Voirol Source Type: research