A bacterial symbiont and a plant virus enhance insect fitness by inducing physical defenses against fungal parasites - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #insect cuticle
- #defensive symbiosis
- #pest management
- A bacterial symbiont (Rickettsia) and a plant begomovirus enhance whitefly fitness by inducing physical defenses against parasitic fungi.
- Begomovirus triggers chitin synthesis in whiteflies, reinforcing the cuticle to resist fungal infection.
- Rickettsia facilitates cuticle formation via metabolic cooperation with Portiera for phenylalanine and tyrosine synthesis, aiding in cuticular proteins and pigments.
- Mutation of chitinase and protease genes in Beauveria bassiana impairs fungal infection, while inhibiting cuticle formation in whiteflies facilitates it.
- Defensive symbioses contribute to whitefly fitness in the field, with implications for pest management strategies.