Plants generate energy flows through natural food webs, driven by competition for resources among organisms, which are part of a complex network of multitrophic interactions. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction between tomato plants and a phytophagous insect is driven by a hidden interplay between their respective microbiotas. Tomato plants colonized by the soil fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum, a beneficial microorganism widely used in agriculture as a biocontrol agent, negatively affects the development and survival of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera littoralis by altering the larval gut microbiota and its nutritional support to the host. Indeed, experiments aimed to restore the functional microbial community in the gut allow a complete rescue. Our results shed light on a novel role played by a soil microorganism in the modulation of plant-insect interaction, setting the stage for a more comprehensive analysis of the impact that biocontrol agents may have on ecological sustainability of agricultural systems.

A soil fungus confers plant resistance against a phytophagous insect by disrupting the symbiotic role of its gut microbiota

Bruno, Daniele;Tettamanti, Gianluca;
2023-01-01

Abstract

Plants generate energy flows through natural food webs, driven by competition for resources among organisms, which are part of a complex network of multitrophic interactions. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction between tomato plants and a phytophagous insect is driven by a hidden interplay between their respective microbiotas. Tomato plants colonized by the soil fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum, a beneficial microorganism widely used in agriculture as a biocontrol agent, negatively affects the development and survival of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera littoralis by altering the larval gut microbiota and its nutritional support to the host. Indeed, experiments aimed to restore the functional microbial community in the gut allow a complete rescue. Our results shed light on a novel role played by a soil microorganism in the modulation of plant-insect interaction, setting the stage for a more comprehensive analysis of the impact that biocontrol agents may have on ecological sustainability of agricultural systems.
2023
2023
holobionts; insect gut microbiota; insect–plant interactions; phytophagous insects; soil microbiota
Di Lelio, Ilaria; Forni, Giobbe; Magoga, Giulia; Brunetti, Matteo; Bruno, Daniele; Becchimanzi, Andrea; De Luca, Maria G; Sinno, Martina; Barra, Eleon...espandi
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Di Lelio et al., 2022 - A soil fungus confers resistance against a phytophagous insect by disrupting the symbiotic role of its gut microbiota.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: -
Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 7.08 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
7.08 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2148651
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 6
  • Scopus 23
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact