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Context-dependent integrated stress resistance promotes a global invasive pest
Vimbai L Tarusikirwa1, Ross N Cuthbert2,3, Reyard Mutamiswa4,5
1Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana.
Insect Science
|March 15, 2022
Summary
Integrated stress resistance (ISR) in the tomato pinworm shows context-dependent traits. These physiological mechanisms may explain its invasive success in new, stressful environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Change Biology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Insects face multiple environmental stressors, exacerbated by climate change.
- Integrated stress resistance (ISR) can enhance fitness and invasiveness.
- Understanding ISR mechanisms is crucial for managing invasive species like the tomato pinworm.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cross-tolerance to abiotic stressors in the South American tomato pinworm (*T. absoluta*).
- Examine how prior exposure to cold, heat, fasting, and desiccation affects survival and tolerance.
- Determine the physiological basis for the invasive success of *T. absoluta*.
Main Methods:
- Tested effects of rapid cold- and heat-hardening (RCH, RHH), fasting, and desiccation on *T. absoluta* life stages.
- Assessed impacts on cold/heat tolerance (CTmin, CTmax), starvation, and desiccation survivability.
- Analyzed context-dependent ISR traits across different life stages and stressor combinations.
Main Results:
- Acclimation effects on thermal tolerance were inconsistent across life stages.
- Fasting improved adult survival and starvation tolerance but harmed larvae.
- Desiccation-acclimated adults showed enhanced starvation tolerance, indicating cross-tolerance.
Conclusions:
- ISR traits in *T. absoluta* are context-dependent and can enhance fitness.
- These physiological mechanisms likely contribute to the rapid global spread of this invasive pest.
- Understanding ISR is vital for predicting species' responses to environmental change and for management strategies.
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