Microbial changes and associated metabolic responses modify host plant adaptation in Stephanitis nashi

This study demonstrated changes in microbial diversity and the reshaping of microbial community structure in the pear lace bugStephanitis nashi when it fed on 2 different host plants, and showed howS.  nashi mobilized a series of metabolic reactions to adapt to these host plants. Association analysis further clarified the one-to-one correspondence between differential bacteria, differential fungi, and functional responses in this process, which revealed the mechanisms ofS.  nashi adaptation to 2 different host plants from a microbiological perspective. AbstractSymbiotic microorganisms are essential for the physiological processes of herbivorous pests, including the pear lace bugStephanitis nashi, which is known for causing extensive damage to garden plants and fruit trees due to its exceptional adaptability to diverse host plants. However, the specific functional effects of the microbiome on the adaptation ofS.  nashi to its host plants remains unclear. Here, we identified significant microbial changes inS.  nashi on 2 different host plants, crabapple and cherry blossom, characterized by the differences in fungal diversity as well as bacterial and fungal community structures, with abundant correlations between bacteria or fungi. Consistent with the microbiome changes,S.  nashi that fed on cherry blossom demonstrated decreased metabolites and downregulated key metabolic pathways, such as the arginine and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, which were cruci...

Source: Insect Science - February 19, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Tong ‐Pu Li, Chen‐Hao Wang, Jia‐Chu Xie, Meng‐Ke Wang, Jie Chen, Yu‐Xi Zhu, De‐Jun Hao, Xiao‐Yue Hong Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research