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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Animal resistance to natural enemies varies due to host genetics or symbionts.
  • Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) show variable susceptibility to the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi.
  • Hamiltonella defensa symbionts confer resistance, but aphid-encoded resistance was less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate aphid-encoded variability in resistance to parasitoids.
  • To determine if resistance is solely dependent on symbionts or also on host genetics.
  • To assess potential fitness costs associated with aphid-encoded resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Screened 15 clonal pea aphid lines for symbionts and confirmed identity via microsatellite genotyping.
  • Conducted parasitism assays to quantify resistance levels.
  • Measured aphid longevity and fecundity in resistant and susceptible lines.

Main Results:

  • Significant variability in aphid-encoded resistance was observed, comparable to symbiont-conferred resistance.
  • No trade-offs between resistance levels and aphid longevity or fecundity were detected under permissive conditions.
  • Aphid resistance to A. ervi is more complex than previously thought.

Conclusions:

  • Pea aphids utilize multiple strategies for defense against parasitoids, including aphid-encoded resistance.
  • While no trade-offs were found, they may emerge under stress or competition.
  • Understanding resistance variation is crucial for ecological dynamics, coevolution, and biological control of pest populations.