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The thrips gut pH and implications for symbiont-mediated RNAi
Awawing A Andongma1,2, Miranda M A Whitten1, Gilbert N Chofong3
1Applied Molecular Microbiology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University School of Medicine, Swansea, UK.
Bulletin of Entomological Research
|April 16, 2025
Summary
The gut pH of Western flower thrips ranges from 6 to 7, supporting their symbiotic bacteria. This understanding is key for optimizing RNAi pesticide delivery for pest management.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Microbiology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Gut pH is critical for insect physiology, influencing diet, fitness, and pesticide efficacy.
- Understanding insect gut environments is essential for optimizing pest control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gut pH of the invasive Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
- To determine the effect of the symbiotic bacterium BFo2 on modulating gut pH.
- To explore the implications of gut pH for dsRNAi delivery.
Main Methods:
- Feeding indicator dyes to Frankliniella occidentalis to measure gut pH.
- In vitro culture of BFo2 isolates in broths of varying pH to assess buffering capacity.
Main Results:
- The gut pH of F. occidentalis was found to vary between 6 and 7.
- Larval and adult guts generally exhibited a pH of 6-6.5, with the posterior adult gut nearing 7.
- BFo2 isolates demonstrated the ability to buffer pH towards neutral in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The near-neutral gut pH provides a favorable environment for the neutrophilic symbiont BFo2.
- This research lays the groundwork for leveraging gut pH to enhance dsRNAi delivery for Western flower thrips control.
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