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Do Sex Ratio Distorting Microbes Inhibit the Evolution of Pesticide Resistance? An Experimental Test
Adam M Fisher1,2, Amelia-Rose V McKenzie1, Tom A R Price3
1School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences Queen Mary University of London London UK.
Evolutionary Applications
|October 15, 2024
Summary
Sex ratio distorting microbes (SRDMs) limit pesticide adaptation by reducing population size. This study shows SRDMs can hinder arthropod adaptation to pesticides, but not by restricting gene flow.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Pest management
- Microbial ecology
Background:
- Pesticide resistance in arthropod pests threatens human health and food security.
- Understanding mechanisms that limit pesticide resistance evolution is crucial.
- Sex ratio distorting microbes (SRDMs) theoretically limit adaptation by reducing population size and gene flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally test how SRDMs limit arthropod adaptation to pesticides.
- To differentiate the effects of SRDMs on sex ratio versus gene flow.
- To investigate the role of sex-biased pesticide susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A fully factorial experiment using Drosophila melanogaster populations.
- Manipulation of adult sex ratios in the presence and absence of SRDMs.
- Six generations of pesticide exposure to assess adaptation.
Main Results:
- Populations with even sex ratios showed higher pesticide resistance after six generations.
- SRDMs did not affect pesticide resistance independently of sex ratio changes.
- Males exhibited greater susceptibility to pesticides than females.
Conclusions:
- Empirical evidence confirms that SRDMs limit pesticide adaptation via sex ratio distortion.
- The theoretical impact of SRDMs on adaptation by disrupting gene flow is questioned.
- Sex-specific pesticide susceptibility is a significant factor in adaptation.
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