Work

Changes in melon plant phytochemistry impair Aphis gossypii growth and weight under elevated CO2

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Elevated CO2(eCO2) modifies plant primary and secondary metabolism that subsequently impacts herbivore insect performance due to changes in its nutritional requirements. This laboratory study evaluated interactions betweenAphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and melon (Cucumis meloL., Cucurbitaceae), previously acclimated two or six weeks to different CO2levels, eCO2(700 ppm) or ambient CO2(400 ppm). Under eCO2, melon plants decreased nitrogen foliar concentration and increased carbon to nitrogen ratio, independently of acclimation period, significantly reducing the content of some amino acids (alanine, asparagine, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, serine, threonine, and valine) and increasing the carbohydrate (sucrose) content in melon leaves. The dilution in some essential amino acids for aphid nutrition could have aggravated the reduction inA. gossypiipopulation growth reared on melon previously acclimated two weeks to eCO2, as well as the loss of aphid body mass from two successive generations ofA. gossypiireared under eCO2on plants previously acclimated two or six weeks to eCO2. The response to eCO2of phloem feeders, such as aphids, is actually variable, but this study highlights a negative response ofA. gossypiito this climate change driver. Potential implications on control of this pest in a global change scenario are discussed.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81167-x

Authors: Ana Moreno-Delafuente, Ignacio Morales, Elisa Garzo, Alberto Fereres, Elisa Viñuela, Pilar Medina

Institutions: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias

Language: English

Topic: Plant responses to elevated CO2

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,990