Gut Microbiome Analysis in Caterpillars Eating Different Plants

Jenn Hoskins
12th September, 2024

Gut Microbiome Analysis in Caterpillars Eating Different Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Guizhou University, China, found that the gut microbiota of fall armyworm (FAW) larvae varies significantly depending on the host plant they consume
  • The dominant bacteria in the FAW larvae gut were from the Firmicutes phylum, with Enterococcus casseliflavus frequently observed across different host plants
  • The study identified specific metabolic genes in the gut microbiota that adapt based on the host plant, aiding the larvae's digestion and adaptability
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a notorious pest known for its ability to wreak havoc on a wide range of crops. Understanding the gut microbiota of FAW larvae, particularly how it varies with different host plants, can offer insights into pest management strategies. A recent study by researchers at Guizhou University, China, delved into this topic using metagenomic sequencing to explore the gut microbiota of FAW larvae transferred from an artificial diet to four distinct host plants: maize, sorghum, tomato, and pepper[1]. The study found significant variations in the gut microbiota structure among FAW larvae depending on the host plant they consumed. Firmicutes was identified as the dominant bacterial phylum, with Enterococcaceae as the leading family and Enterococcus as the most prominent genus. Specifically, Enterococcus casseliflavus was frequently observed across the different host plants. These findings align with previous research indicating the variability and importance of gut microbiota in Lepidoptera[2]. The study also highlighted the functional characteristics of the gut microbiota, particularly focusing on metabolic pathways. For instance, in larvae fed on sorghum, genes associated with the peptide/nickel transport system permease protein were identified. In larvae fed on pepper, genes linked to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and starch and sucrose metabolism were prominent. This indicates that the gut microbiota adapts its metabolic functions based on the host plant, which could be crucial for the larvae's digestion and overall adaptability. Additionally, the study identified the top 20 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of FAW larvae. The maize-fed group exhibited the highest abundance of the vanRC gene, which is associated with vancomycin resistance. This discovery is particularly significant given the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance. The findings of this study underscore the intricate relationship between FAW larvae and their gut microbiota, suggesting that the host plant profoundly influences the gut microbial community and its functions. This variability in gut microbiota can have significant implications for the adaptability and management of FAW populations. For instance, understanding the gene flow between different FAW populations and their adaptation to various host plants can inform pest management strategies[3]. Moreover, the study sheds light on the potential routes of transmission for gut microbiota. Previous research has shown that gut microbiota in Lepidoptera can be horizontally transmitted through the host plant and vertically via the egg stage[2]. This suggests that the gut microbiota of FAW larvae could be influenced not only by their immediate diet but also by the microbiota of their parent generation and the environment. In conclusion, this study by Guizhou University provides valuable insights into the gut microbiota of FAW larvae and its variability with different host plants. The findings emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of the co-evolutionary relationship between pests and their gut microbiota, which could lead to more effective pest management strategies.

GeneticsPlant ScienceAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Metagenomic profiling of gut microbiota in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae fed on different host plants.

Published 11th September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-024-03481-4

Related Studies

2) Bacterial Symbionts in Lepidoptera: Their Diversity, Transmission, and Impact on the Host.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.00556

3) Molecular variability of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations associated to maize and cotton crops in Brazil.

Journal: Journal of economic entomology, Issue: Vol 99, Issue 2, Apr 2006


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