Bacteria Affect Plant-Mite Interactions Via Altered Scent Emissions
K Karamanoli1, V Kokalas2, D S Koveos2
1School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece. katkar@agro.auth.gr.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|January 21, 2020
Summary
Epiphytic bacteria alter plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs), influencing spider mite behavior. Pseudomonas syringae inoculation reduced mite damage and egg-laying on bean plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant-microbe interactions
- Chemical ecology
- Agricultural entomology
Background:
- Epiphytic bacteria influence plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Plant VOCs mediate interactions between plants and other organisms, including herbivores and pathogens.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of three bacterial strains (Pseudomonas syringae, Pantoea ananatis, Pseudomonas putida) on bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) VOC profiles.
- To assess the behavioral responses of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) to VOCs from inoculated plants.
- To evaluate the potential of these bacteria as biocontrol agents against spider mites.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of bean plants with P. syringae, P. ananatis, and P. putida.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of leaf VOCs.
- Olfactometer assays and two-choice bioassays to measure spider mite behavior (preference, oviposition, leaf damage).
Main Results:
- Bacterial inoculation altered VOC profiles: P. syringae increased 1-undecanol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol; P. ananatis increased methyl salicylate and anisole.
- Spider mites showed reduced preference for plants inoculated with P. syringae and P. putida.
- Leaf damage and egg-laying by T. urticae were significantly lower on P. syringae-inoculated plants.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial strains differentially modulate plant VOCs, affecting herbivore behavior.
- Pseudomonas syringae demonstrates potential as a biocontrol agent by reducing spider mite infestation.
- This study highlights the role of epiphytic bacteria in plant-arthropod interactions and their agricultural applications.
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