Wolbachia suppresses Spiroplasma in female Tetranychus truncatus
Author of the article:XIE Kang;YANG Kun;HUO Shi-Mei;BING Xiao-Li;XIA Xue;HONG Xiao-Yue
Author's Workplace:Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Key Words:Wolbachia; Spiroplasma; co-infection; Tetranychus truncatus; titer; mating type
Abstract:[Objectives] To investigate the competitive relationship between Wolbachia and Spiroplasma in Tetranychus truncates and the effect of mating preferences on longevity in these mites. [Methods] qPCR was used to measure symbiont titers in adult mites of different ages and mating preferences and the effects of mate choice on the longevity of female mites recorded.[Results] Symbiont titers were significantly different in mites with different mating preferences and ages. Wolbachia titers were significantly different between singly and doubly Wolbachia-infected lines at 4 and 10 days of age. The Spiroplasma titers of singly Spiroplasma-infected lines were significantly higher than those of doubly-infected lines. Wolbachia titers were significantly higher than Spiroplasma titers in doubly-infected lines. Doubly-infected female mites that mated with doubly Spiroplasma-infected, or uninfected, male mites, lived longer than those that mated with singly infected males. Singly Spiroplasma-infected female mites that mated with singly infected male mites, or uninfected male mites, lived longer than those that mated with doubly infected male mites. [Conclusion] Mating preference and age affected symbiont titer and the presence of Wolbachia greatly reduced Spiroplasma titer. Mating preferences affected the longevity of female mites.