Cranberry Plant Variations and Their Resistance to Multiple Insect Pests

Greg Howard
20th July, 2024

Cranberry Plant Variations and Their Resistance to Multiple Insect Pests

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the University of São Paulo examined 12 cranberry genotypes and their resistance to three leaf-chewing herbivores
  • Larval performance of spotted fireworm and spongy moth varied across genotypes, with better performance on modern hybrids
  • Higher total phenolics in wild cranberry genotypes correlated with increased resistance to spotted fireworm and spongy moth
The University of São Paulo recently conducted a study to understand how different cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) genotypes resist multiple herbivores[1]. This research is pivotal as it explores the impact of plant genotypic variation on herbivore resistance, especially in crops that are still undergoing domestication. The study focused on 12 cranberry genotypes and their resistance to three leaf-chewing herbivores: Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana), spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela), and spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). Notably, while S. sulfureana and C. parallela are native to the United States, L. dispar is an invasive pest. The researchers measured larval survival and growth on each genotype, along with plant performance (height and biomass) and leaf defensive chemical traits (C/N ratio, total phenolics, total proanthocyanidins, and flavonols levels) to identify potential resistance mechanisms. The findings showed that larval performance of C. parallela and L. dispar varied across genotypes, with better performance on modern hybrid genotypes. Interestingly, S. sulfureana did not show differences across genotypes. Among the morphological and chemical traits, total phenolics were the only trait correlated with larval performance of C. parallela and L. dispar. Wild genotypes like 'McFarlin' and 'Potter' had higher total phenolics and were more resistant to both herbivores compared to modern hybrids like 'Demoranville' and 'Mullica Queen.' This study builds upon earlier findings that highlight the role of chemical defenses in plant-herbivore interactions. For instance, previous research demonstrated genetic variation for inducibility of defensive traits in wild radish plants, indicating that damaged plants had higher glucosinolate concentrations, which conferred resistance to herbivores[2]. This aligns with the current study's findings that higher total phenolics in cranberry genotypes enhance resistance to certain herbivores. Furthermore, the study's focus on multiple herbivores provides a broader understanding of plant resistance mechanisms. Earlier reviews have discussed the differential elicitation of plant responses by specialist versus generalist herbivores, suggesting that feeding guilds can predict plant responses[3]. The current study's inclusion of both native and invasive pests adds valuable insights into how domestication affects resistance to diverse herbivores. The research also ties into broader agricultural implications. Historical analyses have shown that agriculture can create pests through crop domestication and intensification, as seen with pests like the Western corn rootworm and Cotton fleahopper[4]. The current study's findings suggest that modern cranberry hybrids, bred for traits like yield, may be more susceptible to herbivores due to lower levels of defensive chemicals. This highlights the importance of considering resistance traits in breeding programs to avoid creating vulnerable crops. Moreover, the economic impact of invasive insects is substantial, with global costs exceeding US$70 billion annually[5]. By enhancing our understanding of plant resistance mechanisms, this research offers potential strategies for reducing the economic burden of agricultural pests through targeted breeding efforts. In summary, the University of São Paulo's study provides critical insights into the impact of cranberry domestication on herbivore resistance. By identifying key defensive traits like total phenolics, the research offers valuable guidance for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop resistance to multiple herbivores. This study not only builds on previous findings but also addresses broader agricultural challenges, emphasizing the need for integrated pest management strategies in modern agriculture.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Genotypic Variation and Potential Mechanisms of Resistance against Multiple Insect Herbivores in Cranberries.

Published 19th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01522-w

Related Studies

2) Ecological genetics of an induced plant defense against herbivores: additive genetic variance and costs of phenotypic plasticity.

Journal: Evolution; international journal of organic evolution, Issue: Vol 56, Issue 11, Nov 2002

3) Specialist versus generalist insect herbivores and plant defense.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2012.02.006

4) Agriculture sows pests: how crop domestication, host shifts, and agricultural intensification can create insect pests from herbivores.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2018.01.008

5) Massive yet grossly underestimated global costs of invasive insects.

https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12986


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