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Pandora neoaphidis transmission and aphid foraging behaviour
J Baverstock1, P G Alderson, J K Pell
1Plant and Invertebrate Ecology Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK. jason.baverstock@bbsrc.ac.uk
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|July 26, 2005
Summary
Aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) do not avoid plants infected with Pandora neoaphidis fungus. Fungal spores transmit during plant colonization and feeding, but prior infestation doesn't increase infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Ecology
Background:
- Aphid movement influences contact with entomopathogenic fungi like Pandora neoaphidis.
- Plant volatiles, released as distress signals, may alter aphid behavior and fungus-aphid interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of plant volatiles and P. neoaphidis cadavers on aphid colonization and fungal transmission.
- To determine if aphids avoid plants infected with P. neoaphidis.
Main Methods:
- Two methods were employed to assess aphid colonization and conidia transmission on Vicia faba plants.
- Evaluated the effect of P. neoaphidis-sporulating cadavers and plant volatiles on aphid behavior.
Main Results:
- Acyrthosiphon pisum did not avoid bean plants colonized by P. neoaphidis.
- Conidia transmission occurred during plant colonization and feeding.
- More aphids were found on damaged plants, but infection likelihood was unaffected by prior infestation.
Conclusions:
- Plant volatiles and P. neoaphidis cadavers do not deter aphid colonization.
- Fungal transmission is linked to aphid activity on host plants.
- The study clarifies the dynamics of entomopathogenic fungus transmission in aphid populations.