Effects of single and combined heavy metals and their chelators on aphid performance and preferences

When present at elevated levels in the environment, heavy metals are toxic for most organisms. However, so-called hyperaccumulator plants tolerate heavy metals and use chelators for their internal long-distance transport. Thus, phloem-sucking insects may come in contact with the chelated metals. In the present study, the effects of individual and combined heavy metals, zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), as well as of common chelators, nicotianamine and phytochelatin, were investigated on the performance, preferences, and metal accumulation of the generalist aphid Myzus persicae, using artificial diets. Added Zn increased aphid growth, whereas Cd reduced the survival of aphids. Chelators had neither protective nor negative effects on aphids. The combination of the 2 heavy metals in chelated or nonchelated form caused a potentiation effect that led to an extinction of the aphids within less than 2 wk, before they could reproduce. Both Cd and Zn accumulated in the aphids, indicating a possible biomagnification. In choice assays, aphids preferred diets amended with Zn with or without nicotianamine compared to a control diet. In contrast, a Cd-containing diet led to neither attraction nor aversion. The present study provides insight into how mixtures of heavy metals and their chelators influence the life history of a generalist aphid. The results have implications for the use of phytoremediation to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3023-3030. © 2016 SETAC.