Transmission Routes of Bacterial Symbionts between Trophic Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Chiel Elad, Zchori-Fein Einat, Inbar Moshe, Gottlieb Yuval, Adachi-Hagimori Tetsuya, Kelly Suzanne E., Asplen Mark K., Hunter Martha S.
Primary Institution: University of Haifa
Hypothesis
What are the routes of transmission of Rickettsia and Hamiltonella from B. tabaci to the whitefly's parasitoids?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates potential routes and barriers to horizontal transmission of symbionts across trophic levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Rickettsia was found to invade Eretmocerus larvae during development.
- Rickettsia does not penetrate the oocytes but is localized in the follicular epithelial cells.
- Hamiltonella did not establish in any of the parasitoids tested.
Takeaway
This study looks at how tiny bacteria can move from one insect to another, showing that some bacteria can spread easily while others can't.
Methodology
The study used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the transmission of symbionts.
Limitations
The study did not find evidence of vertical transmission of Rickettsia in Eretmocerus wasps.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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