Physiological and Evolutionary Changes in a Biological Control Agent During Prey Shifts Over Several Generations.

ABSTRACT: Biological control agents usually suffer from a shortage of target prey or hosts in their post-release stage. Some predatory agents turn to attacking other prey organisms, which may induce physiological and evolutionary changes. In this study, we investigated life history traits, gene expression and genotype frequency in the predatory ladybird beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri during experimental prey shifts. C. montrouzieri were either continuously fed on aphids Megoura japonica as an alternative prey for four generations or were shifted back to the initial prey mealybugs Planococcus citri in each generation. In general, the utilization of aphids resulted in reduced performance and severe physiological adjustments, indicated by significant changes in development

SUBMITTER: Chen ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060241 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature