The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Aphididae, Hemiptera), is a major agricultural pest worldwide, and an efficient vector of several plant viruses, whose control still majorly relies on pesticides. However, the need to reduce pesticide use, given their side effects on non-target organisms and human health, and their inefficacy for containing the spread of aphid-borne viruses, call for research on alternative tools for pest control, such as biological control. Aphidius colemani Viereck (Braconidae, Hymenoptera) is a parasitoid that is commonly used as a biological control agent of M. persicae, but little is known about the behavioral interaction with its host. The potentiality of Biotremology for pest control has already been highlighted by several studies. However, the role of substrate-borne vibrations in inter- and intra-specific communication in some insect taxa, including aphids and parasitoids, has never been addressed, and further studies may pave the way for the sustainable control of species currently representing major threats for food safety and security. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize the role of substrate-borne vibrations in: i) the inter-specific communication between M. persicae and its parasitoid A. colemani; ii) the intra-specific communication between an “attacked” aphid and its conspecifics. Thereafter, the impact of previously recorded vibrational cues or signals on the aphid feeding behavior will be assessed using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique, with a particular focus on the patterns conducive to viruses’ acquisition and inoculation. Two are the major outcomes expected from the present study: i) insights into the role of substrate-borne vibrations in aphids intra-specific communication and parasitoid foraging behavior; ii) a proof of concept of the applicability of semiophysicals as an alternative to pesticides for aphids and aphid-borne viruses control.

Exploring the role of vibrational cues in a parasitoid-host interaction / Zippari, Caterina; Nieri, Rachele; Verrastro, Vincenzo; Mandrioli, Mauro; Grasso Donato, Antonio; Mazzoni, Valerio; Cornara, Daniele. - (2022). (Intervento presentato al convegno Biotremology conference tenutosi a Pirano, Slovenia nel 19-22 settembre 2022).

Exploring the role of vibrational cues in a parasitoid-host interaction

Mandrioli Mauro;
2022

Abstract

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Aphididae, Hemiptera), is a major agricultural pest worldwide, and an efficient vector of several plant viruses, whose control still majorly relies on pesticides. However, the need to reduce pesticide use, given their side effects on non-target organisms and human health, and their inefficacy for containing the spread of aphid-borne viruses, call for research on alternative tools for pest control, such as biological control. Aphidius colemani Viereck (Braconidae, Hymenoptera) is a parasitoid that is commonly used as a biological control agent of M. persicae, but little is known about the behavioral interaction with its host. The potentiality of Biotremology for pest control has already been highlighted by several studies. However, the role of substrate-borne vibrations in inter- and intra-specific communication in some insect taxa, including aphids and parasitoids, has never been addressed, and further studies may pave the way for the sustainable control of species currently representing major threats for food safety and security. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize the role of substrate-borne vibrations in: i) the inter-specific communication between M. persicae and its parasitoid A. colemani; ii) the intra-specific communication between an “attacked” aphid and its conspecifics. Thereafter, the impact of previously recorded vibrational cues or signals on the aphid feeding behavior will be assessed using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique, with a particular focus on the patterns conducive to viruses’ acquisition and inoculation. Two are the major outcomes expected from the present study: i) insights into the role of substrate-borne vibrations in aphids intra-specific communication and parasitoid foraging behavior; ii) a proof of concept of the applicability of semiophysicals as an alternative to pesticides for aphids and aphid-borne viruses control.
2022
Biotremology conference
Pirano, Slovenia
19-22 settembre 2022
Zippari, Caterina; Nieri, Rachele; Verrastro, Vincenzo; Mandrioli, Mauro; Grasso Donato, Antonio; Mazzoni, Valerio; Cornara, Daniele
Exploring the role of vibrational cues in a parasitoid-host interaction / Zippari, Caterina; Nieri, Rachele; Verrastro, Vincenzo; Mandrioli, Mauro; Grasso Donato, Antonio; Mazzoni, Valerio; Cornara, Daniele. - (2022). (Intervento presentato al convegno Biotremology conference tenutosi a Pirano, Slovenia nel 19-22 settembre 2022).
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/1282120
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