Symbiont-mediated protection against fungal pathogens in pea aphids: a role for pathogen specificity?

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013 Apr;79(7):2455-8. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03193-12. Epub 2013 Jan 25.

Abstract

Here we show that a bacterial endosymbiont, Regiella insecticola, protects pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) from the aphid-specific fungal entomopathogen Zoophthora occidentalis but not from the generalist insect fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana. This finding highlights the complex influence of fungi on the dynamics of this economically important agricultural pest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphids / microbiology*
  • Aphids / physiology
  • Beauveria / pathogenicity*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / physiology*
  • Entomophthorales / pathogenicity*
  • Microbial Interactions
  • Pisum sativum / parasitology
  • Symbiosis*