Potential host manipulation by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae to enhance cold tolerance

Alford, L., Androdias, A., Franco, T., Pierre, J.-S., Burel, F. and van Baaren, J. (2016) Potential host manipulation by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae to enhance cold tolerance. PLoS ONE, 11(12), e0168693. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168693) (PMID:28006018) (PMCID:PMC5179110)

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Abstract

During parasitoid development, the immature parasitoid is confined to the host species. As a result, any potential to modify the physiology or behaviour of the host could play an important role in parasitoid fitness. The potential for host manipulation by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae to increase cold thermotolerance was investigated using the aphid host species Metopolophium dirhodum and Sitobion avenae. Aphids were parasitized at L3/L4 instar stage (5 d old) and allowed to develop into pre-reproductive adults (10 d old) containing a 5 d old parasitoid larva. A control group was created of non-parasitized pre-reproductive adults (10 d old). The inherent physiological thermotolerance (LT50) and potential behavioural thermoregulation (behaviour in a declining temperature regime) of parasitized and non-parasitized aphids were investigated. Results revealed no effect of parasitism on the physiological thermotolerance of S. avenae and M. dirhodum. Significant differences in the behaviour of parasitized and non-parasitized aphids were observed, in addition to differences between host species, and such behaviours are discussed in view of the potential for host manipulation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Alford, Dr Lucy
Authors: Alford, L., Androdias, A., Franco, T., Pierre, J.-S., Burel, F., and van Baaren, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:PLoS ONE
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1932-6203
ISSN (Online):1932-6203
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Alford et al.
First Published:First published in PLoS ONE 11(12): e0168693
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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