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Negative evidence of Wolbachia in the predaceous mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
M Enigl1, E Zchori-Fein, P Schausberger
1Department of Applied Plant Sciences and Plant Biotechnology - Institute of Plant Protection, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Peter Jordanstrasse 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria. monika.enigl@boku.ac.at
Abstract:
The cytoplasmically inherited bacterium Wolbachia is widespread in arthropod species and has been repeatedly detected in the predaceous mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Our original goal was to assess the prevalence of Wolbachia infection in P. persimilis and the potential fitness consequences for this host. To accomplish that goal, seven P. persimilis strains were obtained from Europe, Africa and the USA and reared on the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae as prey. After preliminary results showed that the T. urticae used was infected with Wolbachia, the minimum starvation time of the predators to prevent false positive results from undigested prey was determined. We tested DNA samples by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) after starving the predators or feeding them Wolbachia-free T. urticae for various periods. Those experiments showed that Wolbachia could not be detected after 16 h at 25 degrees C and 48 h at 20 degrees C. To verify the results of the PCR analyses, we furthermore conducted crossing experiments with antibiotic-treated and untreated individuals. No indications of Wolbachia effects were recorded. Additionally, we screened live eggs of four of the seven strains reared in our laboratory and alcohol samples of 10 other P. persimilis strains for the occurrence of Wolbachia by PCR, none of which tested positive. Synthesis of our study and previous reports suggests that infection of P. persimilis with Wolbachia is extremely rare and of minor importance. We discuss the significance of our findings for future studies on the presence of Wolbachia in predaceous arthropods.
Insights
Wolbachia bacteria are rarely found in Phytoseiulus persimilis mites. This study determined optimal starvation periods to avoid false positives, finding Wolbachia infection to be of minor importance in this arthropod.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Arthropod Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Wolbachia, an intracellular bacterium, is common in arthropods.
- Previous reports suggested Wolbachia presence in the predaceous mite Phytoseiulus persimilis.
- The fitness impact of Wolbachia on P. persimilis requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Wolbachia infection in P. persimilis.
- To assess potential fitness consequences of Wolbachia for P. persimilis.
- To establish reliable methods for detecting Wolbachia in P. persimilis.
Main Methods:
- Collected seven P. persimilis strains from diverse geographic locations.
- Determined minimum predator starvation times to prevent false positives from prey DNA.
- Utilized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and crossing experiments to detect Wolbachia.
- Screened mite DNA, live eggs, and preserved samples for Wolbachia presence.
Main Results:
- Established that Wolbachia is undetectable after 16h starvation at 25°C or 48h at 20°C.
- No evidence of Wolbachia infection was found in any of the tested P. persimilis strains.
- Crossing experiments and direct screening of eggs and samples yielded negative results for Wolbachia.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia infection in P. persimilis appears to be extremely rare.
- The presence and impact of Wolbachia are of minor significance for this mite species.
- Findings inform future research on Wolbachia in predatory arthropods.
