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The feeding preference and bite response between Microtus fortis and Broussonetia papyrifera
Shuangye Wang1,2, Zihao Chen3, Mengxin Wang3
1School of Basic Medicine, Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
Introduction:
Broussonetia papyrifera is a dioecious plant that is rich in various metabolites and widely distribute in Asia. Microtus fortis is a rodent that often causes damage to crops, especially in the Dongting Lake region of China. There is a wide overlap in the distribution areas for the above species and the M. fortis feeds on the leaves of the B. papyrifera. Preliminary experiments have shown that the reproduction of M. fortis is inhibited after feeding on the leaves of the B. papyrifera.
Methods:
In order to explore the potential of using B. papyrifera to develop botanical pesticides, we investigated the palatability and reactive substances. The feeding frequency of M. fortis on B. papyrifera leaves to that of on daily fodder and Carex brevicuspis that is the primary food for the wild population were compared. We also attempted to identify the responsive substances in B. papyrifera leaves that were bitten by M. fortis using metabolome analysis.
Results:
In general, B. papyrifera leaves exhibited a stronger attraction to M. fortis. M. fortis foraged B. papyrifera leaves more frequently, and the intake was higher than that of the other two. Differential metabolites were screened by comparing normal leaves and leaves bitten by M. fortis, meanwhile with the intervention of clipped leaves. A total of 269 substances were screened, and many of these were involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids and alkaloids. These substances may be related to the defense mechanism of B. papyrifera against herbivores.
Discussion:
These findings support further research examining animal-plant interactions and simultaneously provide insights into the utilisation of B. papyrifera resources and the management of rodents. The good palatability and the defense of B. papyrifera leaves suggest that they have the potential to contribute in development of plant rodenticide.
Insights
Broussonetia papyrifera leaves attract the rodent Microtus fortis, and contain defensive compounds. These findings suggest potential for developing plant-based rodenticides from this species.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Ecology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Broussonetia papyrifera is a widespread Asian plant rich in metabolites.
- Microtus fortis is a rodent causing significant crop damage in China.
- Overlap in distribution and observed reproductive inhibition in M. fortis after feeding on B. papyrifera suggest an interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of B. papyrifera as a botanical pesticide.
- To assess the palatability of B. papyrifera leaves for M. fortis.
- To identify the reactive substances in B. papyrifera leaves responsible for effects on M. fortis.
Main Methods:
- Comparative feeding trials assessing M. fortis preference for B. papyrifera versus standard fodder and Carex brevicuspis.
- Metabolome analysis to identify differential metabolites in B. papyrifera leaves subjected to M. fortis feeding.
Main Results:
- B. papyrifera leaves showed higher palatability and intake by M. fortis compared to control food sources.
- Metabolome analysis identified 269 differential substances, many involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis (terpenoids, alkaloids).
- These identified compounds may constitute B. papyrifera's defense mechanism against herbivory.
Conclusions:
- B. papyrifera leaves are palatable to M. fortis and contain defensive secondary metabolites.
- The plant's properties suggest potential for developing novel, plant-derived rodenticides.
- Further research into plant-animal interactions and B. papyrifera's chemical ecology is warranted.
