The infection of Harmonia axyridis by a parasitic nematode is mediated by entomopathogenic bacteria and triggers sex-specific host immune responses.

ABSTRACT: The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis is native to Asia but has been introduced into many countries as a biological control agent. It is now considered an invasive pest, threatening the biodiversity of native ladybirds globally, in part because of its superior immune system. H. axyridis is infected and killed by the parasitic nematode Parasitylenchus bifurcatus, which could therefore be developed as a biological strategy to counter the spread of this insect pest. However, effective control requires an understanding of the tripartite relationship between H. axyridis, P. bifurcatus and their potential bacterial mutualists. Here we describe the isolation of two species of nematode-associated bacteria (Serratia marcescens and Providencia rettgeri) which were highly virulent against H. axyri

SUBMITTER: Gegner T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6206131 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature