High levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization on Medicago truncatula reduces plant suitability as a host for pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum)

In conclusion, EPG and foliar nutrient data support the hypothesis that modifications in plant anatomy (e.g., thicker leaves), and poor food quality (r educed nitrogen) in the 84% AM plants contribute to reduced aphid success in locating phloem and ultimately to differences in phloem sap ingestion. This work suggests thatM. truncatula plants benefit from AM symbiosis not only because of increased nutrient uptake but also because of reduced susceptibility to aphids.

Source: Insect Science - September 17, 2018 Category: Biology Authors: Elisa Garzo, Eric Rizzo, Alberto Fereres, S. Karen Gomez Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research