Host plant quantitative trait loci affect specific behavioral sequences in oviposition by a stem-mining insect

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Entomology
• Plant Breeding

Background:

• Host plant selection is crucial for phytophagous insect progeny survival.
• Insect oviposition behavior is influenced by plant-derived cues.
• Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting plant traits can impact insect-herbivore interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if allelic variations in wheat QTLs influence wheat stem sawfly (WSS) oviposition behavior.
• To determine if WSS females can discriminate plant cues associated with specific QTLs.
• To understand the role of host plant QTLs in maternal choice and progeny performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized wheat near-isogenic lines (NILs) for three identified QTLs associated with WSS resistance.
• Assessed WSS foraging behavior and oviposition choices on NILs with different QTL alleles.
• Evaluated host plant attractiveness and oviposition preference based on QTL variations.

Main Results:

• A QTL on chromosome 3B (Qss-msub-3BL) significantly affected WSS oviposition behavior, host preference, and field infestation.
• A QTL allele on chromosome 2D (Qwss.msub-2D) was associated with decreased WSS oviposition preference.
• A QTL on chromosome 4A (Qwss.msub-4A.1) influenced host plant attractiveness but not post-landing oviposition preference.

Conclusions:

• WSS females discriminate plant signals linked to allelic variation at host plant QTLs during oviposition.
• Maternal choices are influenced by host plant QTL alleles affecting immature progeny survival.
• This research provides insights into plant genes with ecological consequences and potential for integrated pest management of WSS.