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Planthopper "adaptation" to resistant rice varieties: changes in amino acid composition over time
Yolanda H Chen1, Carmencita C Bernal, Jing Tan
1Division of Crop and Environmental Sciences, International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. Yolanda.Chen@uvm.edu
Journal of Insect Physiology
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Brown planthopper adaptation to rice varieties involves complex interactions with yeast-like endosymbionts (YLS). Symbiosis benefits vary by generation, and planthoppers alter amino acid profiles over time.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Insect Physiology
- Symbiosis Research
Background:
- The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) frequently adapts to resistant rice varieties, but the physiological mechanisms are unclear.
- Yeast-like endosymbionts (YLS) in planthoppers produce essential amino acids, potentially influencing adaptation.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing planthopper resistance in rice cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rice variety, YLS presence, and generational rearing on planthopper nymph development and amino acid profiles.
- To elucidate the dynamic role of YLS in planthopper adaptation across generations.
- To identify physiological changes in planthoppers adapting to different rice varieties.
Main Methods:
- A full factorial experimental design was employed.
- Variables included natal rice variety, exposed rice variety, YLS presence (symbiotic vs. aposymbiotic), and number of reared generations (8th and 11th).
- Measurements included nymphal development, total nitrogen content, and hydrolyzed amino acid profiles.
Main Results:
- Nymphal development showed a significant four-way interaction between exposed rice variety, natal rice variety, reared generations, and YLS presence.
- YLS symbiosis improved nymph performance by the 8th generation but became detrimental by the 11th generation.
- Aposymbiotic planthoppers exhibited increased rare amino acid concentrations after 11 generations compared to 8, suggesting adaptive metabolic changes.
Conclusions:
- The role of YLS in planthopper adaptation is generation-dependent, potentially shifting from beneficial to detrimental.
- Planthoppers demonstrate an intrinsic ability to alter amino acid metabolism or protein expression for adaptation over successive generations.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between host plant, insect physiology, and endosymbionts in pest adaptation.
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