Antibiotics suppress the expression of antimicrobial peptides and increase sensitivity of Cydia pomonella to granulosis virus.

Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) is a highly specific and environmentally friendly pathogenic virus successfully used as a biological insecticide against codling moth larvae. Continuous application of CpGV has led to high levels of resistance in codling moth, Cydia pomonella (C. pomonella). Nevertheless, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistance in codling moths to CpGV have been rarely investigated. This study explored the potential antiviral immune roles of codling moth antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against CpGV. A total of 11 AMP genes classified in cecropin, defensin, gloverin, and attacin subfamilies, were identified in the codling moth genome. The cecropin and gloverin subfamilies were found to be the ancestral genes of the AMP gene family. The expression of two AMP genes (CmGlo1 and CmAtt1) significantly increased following CpGV challenge, and CmGlo1 and CmAtt1 gene silencing resulted in a significant increase in CpGV replication in codling moth larvae. The hemolymph and fat body serve as major viral immune functional tissues in codling moth larvae. Moreover, zhongshengmycin significantly reduced the diversity and abundance of codling moth larvae gut microbiota, thereby suppressing the expression of CmAtt1 AMP gene. We also found that the combination of the virus with zhongshengmycin would enhance the insecticidal effects of CpGV. This study provides the first explanation of the molecular mechanisms driving CpGV immune function development in codling moths, approached from the perspective of the codling moth itself. Additionally, we introduced an alternative approach to combat codling moth in the field by combining antibiotics with biopesticides to amplify the insecticidal effects of the latter.

Male-derived phospholipase A2 enhances WD46 expression and increases fertility in Ophraella communa.

Successful bisexual reproduction requires interactions between males and females. Male-derived seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred to females during mating profoundly affect females from pre- to post-mating, and the subsequent shift in female physiology enhances their fertility. SFPs have important evolutionary implications for the fitness of many insects. However, little is known about how females respond to male SFPs. In this study, we identified a male-derived SFP-phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in Ophraella communa. PLA2 is a vital enzyme in eicosanoid biosynthesis; however, it has not been identified as an insect SFP. We found that OcPLA2 is specifically expressed in males, especially in the male accessory glands (MAGs); it is transferred to the female during mating and functions as an SFP to enhance fertility. The expression of a female-derived gene encoding the WD repeat-containing protein 46 (WD46) was upregulated when OcPLA2 entered the female reproductive tract, and this contributed to female egg production by increasing triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) gene expression and the triglyceride (TG) content. This is the first study to identify PLA2 as an SFP in insects. Our findings also shed light on the regulatory role of OcPLA2 in beetle reproduction; the expression of OcPLA2 is initially correlated with female WD46 expression and later with the decline in TGL gene expression and the TG content. This represents a unique mechanism of reproductive regulation by an SFP.

A ghost moth olfactory prototype of the lepidopteran sex communication.

Sex role differentiation is a widespread phenomenon. Sex pheromones are often associated with sex roles and convey sex-specific information. In Lepidoptera, females release sex pheromones to attract males, which evolve sophisticated olfactory structures to relay pheromone signals. However, in some primitive moths, sex role differentiation becomes diverged. Here, we introduce the chromosome-level genome assembly from ancestral Himalaya ghost moths, revealing a unique olfactory evolution pattern and sex role parity among Lepidoptera. These olfactory structures of the ghost moths are characterized by a dense population of trichoid sensilla, both larger male and female antennal entry parts of brains, compared to the evolutionary later Lepidoptera. Furthermore, a unique tandem of 34 odorant receptor 19 homologs in Thitarodes xiaojinensis (TxiaOr19) has been identified, which presents overlapped motifs with pheromone receptors (PRs). Interestingly, the expanded TxiaOr19 was predicted to have unconventional tuning patterns compared to canonical PRs, with nonsexual dimorphic olfactory neuropils discovered, which contributes to the observed equal sex roles in Thitarodes adults. Additionally, transposable element activity bursts have provided traceable loci landscapes where parallel diversifications occurred between TxiaOr19 and PRs, indicating that the Or19 homolog expansions were diversified to PRs during evolution and thus established the classic sex roles in higher moths. This study elucidates an olfactory prototype of intermediate sex communication from Himalaya ghost moths.

Phototactic Changes in Phthorimaea absoluta Long-Wavelength Opsin Gene Mutants (LW2-/-) and Short-Wavelength Opsin Gene Mutant (BL-/-) Strains.

Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive pest that has caused damage to tomatoes and other crops in China since 2017. Pest control is mainly based on chemical methods that pose significant threats to food safety and environmental and ecological security. Light-induced control, a green prevention and control technology, has gained attention recently. However, current light-trapping technology is non-specific, attracting targeted pests alongside natural enemies and non-target organisms. In this study, we characterized the phototactic behavior of tomato leaf miners for the development a specific light-trapping technology for pest control. In situ hybridization revealed opsin expression throughout the body. Furthermore, we investigated the tropism of pests (wild T. absoluta, Toxoptera graminum, and Bemisia tabaci) and natural enemies (Nesidiocoris tenuis and Trichogramma pintoi) using a wavelength-lamp tropism experiment. We found that 365 ± 5 nm light could accurately trap wild P. absoluta without trapping natural enemies and other insects. Finally, we analyzed the phototactic behavior of the mutant strains LW2(-/-) and BL(-/-). LW2 and BL mutants showed significant differences in phototactic behavior. The LW2(-/-) strain was attracted to light at 390 ± 5 nm and the BL(-/-) strain was unresponsive to any light. Our findings will help to develop specific light-trapping technology for controlling tomato leaf miners, providing a basis for understanding pest population dynamics and protecting crops against natural enemies.

Predicting global geographical distribution and latitudinal suitability gradient for light Brown apple moth.

Epiphyas postvittana, commonly known as the light brown apple moth (LBAM), is native to Australia and has a restricted global distribution. Its polyphagous nature and the recent surge in interceptions have emphasized the need for focused risk assessments to guide effective measures to curb the entry of this pest into new countries. This study aimed to perform a detailed global invasion risk assessment using an optimized MaxEnt model that incorporated 19 bioclimatic variables and elevation. The predictive outcomes underscored the significance of key variables, specifically the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19), in shaping the potential geographical distribution of LBAM. Regions beyond the existing range, including the southeastern United States, southern Brazil, eastern Argentina, Uruguay, southern Chile, and various Western European countries, were identified as susceptible to invasion and establishment by LBAM. An increase in suitability was observed above 45°N and 40°S under future climate scenario. With respect to climate change, LBAM would expand its potential range in Western Europe and the United States, especially under SSP5-8.5, in the 2050s. An upward trend in the latitudinal suitability gradient for LBAM in mid-high latitude areas implies that amid changing climate conditions, LBAM may find favorable habitats in these regions. For countries and regions with invasion risk, it is imperative to implement corresponding inspections and quarantine measures to thwart the introduction of LBAM, particularly in countries with established trade ties with invaded regions.

Temperature extremes nip invasive macrophyte Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray in the bud: potential geographic distributions and risk assessment based on future climate change and anthropogenic influences.

Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray, an ornamental submerged plant indigenous to tropical America, has been introduced to numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, impacting native aquatic ecosystems. Given this species is a popular aquarium plant and widely traded, there is a high risk of introduction and invasion into other environments. In the current study the potential global geographic distribution of C. caroliniana was predicted under the effects of climate change and human influence in an optimised MaxEnt model. The model used rigorously screened occurrence records of C. caroliniana from hydro informatic datasets and 20 associated influencing factors. The findings indicate that temperature and human-mediated activities significantly influenced the distribution of C. caroliniana. At present, C. caroliniana covers an area of approximately 1531×104 km2 of appropriate habitat, especially in the south-eastern parts of South, central and North America, Southeast Asia, eastern Australia, and most of Europe. The suitable regions are anticipated to expand under future climate scenarios; however, the dynamics of the changes vary between different extents of climate change. For example, C. caroliniana is expected to expand to higher latitudes, following global temperature increases under SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios, however, intolerance to temperature extremes may mediate invasion at higher latitudes under future extreme climate scenarios, e.g., SSP5-8.5. Owing to the severe impacts its invasion causes, early warning and stringent border quarantine processes are required to guard against the introduction of C. caroliniana especially in the invasion hotspots such as, Peru, Italy, and South Korea.

DNA methylase 1 influences temperature responses and development in the invasive pest Tuta absoluta.

DNA methylase 1 (Dnmt1) is an important regulatory factor associated with biochemical signals required for insect development. It responds to changes in the environment and triggers phenotypic plasticity. Meanwhile, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)-a destructive invasive pest-can rapidly invade and adapt to different habitats; however, the role of Dnmt1 in this organism has not been elucidated. Accordingly, this study investigates the mechanism(s) underlying the rapid adaptation of Tuta absoluta to temperature stress. Potential regulatory genes were screened via RNAi (RNA interference), and the DNA methylase in Tuta absoluta was cloned by RACE (Rapid amplification of cDNA ends). TaDnmt1 was identified as a potential regulatory gene via bioinformatics; its expression was evaluated in response to temperature stress and during different development stages using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results revealed that TaDnmt1 participates in hot/cold tolerance, temperature preference and larval development. The full-length cDNA sequence of TaDnmt1 is 3765 bp and encodes a 1254 kDa protein with typical Dnmt1 node-conserved structural features and six conserved DNA-binding active motifs. Moreover, TaDnmt1 expression is significantly altered by temperature stress treatments and within different development stages. Hence, TaDnmt1 likely contributes to temperature responses and organismal development. Furthermore, after treating with double-stranded RNA and exposing Tuta absoluta to 35°C heat shock or -12°C cold shock for 1 h, the survival rate significantly decreases; the preferred temperature is 2°C lower than that of the control group. In addition, the epidermal segments become enlarged and irregularly folded while the surface dries up. This results in a significant increase in larval mortality (57%) and a decrease in pupation (49.3%) and eclosion (50.9%) rates. Hence, TaDnmt1 contributes to temperature stress responses and temperature perception, as well as organismal growth and development, via DNA methylation regulation. These findings suggest that the rapid geographic expansion of T absoluta has been closely associated with TaDnmt1-mediated temperature tolerance. This study advances the research on 'thermos Dnmt' and provides a potential target for RNAi-driven regulation of Tuta absoluta.

Tandemly expanded OR17b in Himalaya ghost moth facilitates larval food allocation via olfactory reception of plant-derived tricosane.

Herbivorous insects utilize intricate olfactory mechanisms to locate food plants. The chemical communication of insect-plant in primitive lineage offers insights into evolutionary milestones of divergent olfactory modalities. Here, we focus on a system endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to unravel the chemical and molecular basis of food preference in ancestral Lepidoptera. We conducted volatile profiling, neural electrophysiology, and chemotaxis assays with a panel of host plant organs to identify attractants for Himalaya ghost moth Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae, the primitive host of medicinal Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus. Using a DREAM approach based on odorant induced transcriptomes and subsequent deorphanization tests, we elucidated the odorant receptors responsible for coding bioactive volatiles. Contrary to allocation signals in most plant-feeding insects, T. xiaojinensis larvae utilize tricosane from the bulbil as the main attractant for locating native host plant. We deorphanized a TxiaOR17b, an indispensable odorant receptor resulting from tandem duplication of OR17, for transducing olfactory signals in response to tricosane. The discovery of this ligand-receptor pair suggests a survival strategy based on food location via olfaction in ancestral Lepidoptera, which synchronizes both plant asexual reproduction and peak hatch periods of insect larvae.

Ecological niche shift and suitable area expansion of a globally invasive species Phthorimaea operculella.

Phthorimaea operculella is a major potato pest of global importance, early warning and detection of which are of significance. In this study, we analyzed the climate niche conservation of P. operculella during its invasion by comparing the overall climate niche from three dimensions, including the differences between native range (South America) and entire invaded region (excluding South America), the differences bwtween native range (South America) and five invaded continents (North America, Oceania, Asia, Africa, and Europe), as well as the differences between native region (South America) and an invaded region (China). We constructed ecological niche models for its native range (South America) and invaded region (China). The results showed that the climatic niche of the pest has expanded to varying degrees in different regions, indicating that the pest could well adapt to new environments during the invasion. Almost all areas of South America are suitable for P. operculella. In China, its suitable area is mainly concentrated in Shandong, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Henan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hainan, northern Guangxi, southern Hunan, Anhui, Guangdong, Jiangsu, southern Shanxi, and southern Shaanxi. With increasing greenhouse gas emissions and global temperature, its suitable area will decrease at low latitude and increase gradually at high latitude. Specifically, the northern boundary will extend to Liaoning, Jilin, and the southeastern region of Inner Mongolia, while the western boundary extends to Sichuan and the southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The suitable area in the southeast Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Hainan Island, and the south of Yangtze River, will gradually decrease. The total suitable habitat area for P. operculella in China is projected to increase under future climate condition. From 2081 to 2100, under the three greenhouse gas emissions scenarios of ssp126, ssp370, and ssp585, the suitable area is expected to increase by 27.78, 165.54, and 140.41 hm2, respectively. Therefore, it is crucial to strengtehen vigilance and implement strict measures to prevent the further expansion of P. operculella.

Effects of periodic heat events on the reproduction and longevity of female and male Agasicles hygrophila (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as alligator weed, is a globally invasive and detrimental perennial weed. Agasicles hygrophila serves as an important biocontrol agent for alligator weeds. However, during mid-summer, when temperatures increase, A. hygrophila populations experience a significant decline, leading to ineffective weed control. This study has examined the impact of periodic heat events on the reproduction and survival of A. hygrophila females and males using various mating combinations and durations of temperature treatments. The results demonstrated significant effects on all of the studied parameters across mating combinations when compared with the control. Under the same temperature combination, the fecundity and survival rates of females, as well as the egg-hatching rate, decreased significantly with increasing repeated heat exposure. Furthermore, the egg-hatching rate varied significantly among different temperatures and time-interval combinations. In addition, the females displayed greater sensitivity to heat stress than males in terms of fecundity. These findings enhance our understanding of A. hygrophila population dynamics during summer and provide insights into the release of biocontrol agents in diverse regions with varying climates.

Opsin mutants alter host plant selection by color vision in the nocturnal invasive pest Tuta absoluta.

In insects, vision is crucial in finding host plants, but its role in nocturnal insects is largely unknown. Vision involves responses to specific spectra of photon wavelengths and opsins plays an important role in this process. Long-wavelength sensitive opsin (LW opsin) and blue-sensitive opsin (BL opsin) are main visual opsin proteins and play important in behavior regulation.We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to mutate the long-wavelength-sensitive and blue wavelength-sensitive genes and explored the role of vision in the nocturnal invasive pest Tuta absoluta. Light wave experiments revealed that LW2(-/-) and BL(-/-) mutants showed abnormal wavelength tropism. Both LW2 and BL mutations affected the preference of T. absoluta for the green environment. Mutations in LW2 and BL are necessary to inhibit visual attraction. The elimination of LW2 and BL affected the preference of leaf moths for green plants, and mutations in both induced a preference in moths for white plants. Behavioral changes resulting from LW2(-/-) and BL(-/-) mutants were not affected by sense of smell, further supporting the regulatory role of vision in insect behavior. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal that vision, not smell, plays an important role in the host-seeking behavior of nocturnal insects at night, of which LW2 and BL opsins are key regulatory factors. These study findings will drive the development of the "vision-ecology" theory.

Projecting the Global Potential Geographical Distribution of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under Current and Future Climates.

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), which is native to tropical Africa, has invaded more than 100 countries and constitutes a risk to the citrus sector. Studying its potential geographical distribution (PGD) in the context of global climate change is important for prevention and control efforts worldwide. Therefore, we used the CLIMEX model to project and assess the risk of global invasion by C. capitata under current (1981-2010) and future (2040-2059) climates. In the prevailing climatic conditions, the area of PGD for C. capitata was approximately 664.8 × 105 km2 and was concentrated in South America, southern Africa, southern North America, eastern Asia, and southern Europe. Under future climate conditions, the area of PGD for C. capitata is projected to decrease to approximately 544.1 × 105 km2 and shift to higher latitudes. Cold stress was shown to affect distribution at high latitudes, and heat stress was the main factor affecting distribution under current and future climates. According to the predicted results, countries with highly suitable habitats for C. capitata that have not yet been invaded, such as China, Myanmar, and Vietnam, must strengthen quarantine measures to prevent the introduction of this pest.

Molecular and Functional Characterization of Three General Odorant-Binding Protein 2 Genes in Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

General odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) play a crucial role in the detection of host plant volatiles and pheromones by lepidopterans. Previous studies identified two duplications in the GOBP2 gene in Cydia pomonella. In this study, we employed qRT-PCR, protein purification, and fluorescence competitive binding assays to investigate the functions of three GOBP2 genes in C. pomonella. Our findings reveal that CpomGOBP2a and CpomGOBP2b are specifically highly expressed in antennae, while CpomGOBP2c exhibits high specific expression in wings, suggesting a potential divergence in their functions. Recombinant proteins of CpomGOBP2a, CpomGOBP2b, and CpomGOBP2c were successfully expressed and purified, enabling an in-depth exploration of their functions. Competitive binding assays with 20 host plant volatiles and the sex pheromone (codlemone) demonstrated that CpomGOBP2a exhibits strong binding to four compounds, namely butyl octanoate, ethyl (2E,4Z)-deca-2,4-dienoate (pear ester), codlemone, and geranylacetone, with corresponding dissolution constants (Ki) of 8.59993 µM, 9.14704 µM, 22.66298 µM, and 22.86923 µM, respectively. CpomGOBP2b showed specific binding to pear ester (Ki = 17.37481 µM), while CpomGOBP2c did not exhibit binding to any tested compounds. In conclusion, our results indicate a functional divergence among CpomGOBP2a, CpomGOBP2b, and CpomGOBP2c. These findings contribute valuable insights for the development of novel prevention and control technologies and enhance our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of olfactory genes in C. pomonella.

Chromosome-level genome of Ambrosia trifida provides insights into adaptation and the evolution of pollen allergens.

Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed) is an invasive plant that can cause serious damage to natural ecosystems and severe respiratory allergies. However, the genomic basis of invasive adaptation and pollen allergens in Ambrosia species remain largely unknown. Here, we present a 1.66 Gb chromosome-scale reference genome for giant ragweed and identified multiple types of genome duplications, which are responsible for its rapid environmental adaptation and pollen development. The largest copies number and species-specific expansions of resistance-related gene families compared to Heliantheae alliance might contribute to resist stresses, pathogens and rapid adaptation. To extend the knowledge of evolutionary process of allergic pollen proteins, we predicted 26 and 168 potential pollen allergen candidates for giant ragweed and other Asteraceae plant species by combining machine learning and identity screening. Interestingly, we observed a specific tandemly repeated array for potential allergenic pectate lyases among Ambrosia species. Rapid evolutionary rates on putative pectate lyase allergens may imply a crucial role of nonsynonymous mutations on amino acid residues for plant biological function and allergenicity. Altogether, this study provides insight into the molecular ecological adaptation and putative pollen allergens prediction that will be helpful in promoting invasion genomic research and evolution of putative pollen allergy in giant ragweed.

Cuticular proteins in codling moth (Cydia pomonella) respond to insecticide and temperature stress.

The insect cuticle consists of chitin and cuticular proteins (CPs), which stabilize the body shape and provide an effective physical barrier against the external environment. They are also potential target sites for developing environmentally friendly insect management through the utilization of physiology-based methods. The codling moth, Cydia pomonella, is a pest afflicting fruit orchards worldwide. This study used a comparative genomic approach, whole-genome resequencing, and transcriptome data to understand the role that CPs played in the environmental adaptation of the codling moth. A total of 182 putative CPs were identified in the codling moth genome, which were classified into 12 CP families. 119 CPR genes, including 54 RR-1, 60 RR-2, and 5 RR-3 genes were identified and accounted for 65.4% of the total CPs. Eight and seven gene clusters are formed in RR1 and RR2 subfamily and the ancestor-descendant relationship was explained. Five CPAP genes were highly expressed during the egg stage and exposed to high temperature, which indicated their potential role in aiding codling moth eggs in acclimating to varying external heat conditions. Moreover, six CPs belonging to the CPR and CPLCP families were identified in association with insecticide resistance by population resequencing. Their expression levels increased after exposure to insecticides, suggesting they might be involved in codling moth resistance to the insecticides azinphos-methyl or deltamethrin. Our results provide insight into the evolution of codling moth CPs and their association with high temperature adaptation and insecticide resistance, and provide an additional information required for further analysis of CPs in environmental adaptation.

HDAC1: An Essential and Conserved Member of the Diverse Zn2+-Dependent HDAC Family Driven by Divergent Selection Pressure.

Zn2+-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that regulate gene expression by removing acetyl groups from histone proteins. These enzymes are essential in all living systems, playing key roles in cancer treatment and as potential pesticide targets. Previous phylogenetic analyses of HDAC in certain species have been published. However, their classification and evolutionary origins across biological kingdoms remain unclear, which limits our understanding of them. In this study, we collected the HDAC sequences from 1451 organisms and performed analyses. The HDACs are found to diverge into three classes and seven subclasses under divergent selection pressure. Most subclasses show species specificity, indicating that HDACs have evolved with high plasticity and diversification to adapt to different environmental conditions in different species. In contrast, HDAC1 and HDAC3, belonging to the oldest class, are conserved and crucial in major kingdoms of life, especially HDAC1. These findings lay the groundwork for the future application of HDACs.

A Genome-Wide Analysis of Serine Protease Inhibitors in Cydia pomonella Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Expression Pattern.

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) appear to be ubiquitous in almost all living organisms, with a conserved structure and varying functions. Serpins can modulate immune responses by negatively regulating serine protease activities strictly and precisely. The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), a major invasive pest in China, can cause serious economic losses. However, knowledge of serpin genes in this insect remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of the serpin genes in C. pomonella, obtaining 26 serpins from the C. pomonella genome. Subsequently, their sequence features, evolutionary relationship, and expression pattern were characterized. Comparative analysis revealed the evolution of a number of serpin genes in Lepidoptera. Importantly, the evolutionary relationship and putative roles of serpin genes in C. pomonella were revealed. Additionally, selective pressure analysis found amino acid sites with strong evidence of positive selection. Interestingly, the serpin1 gene possessed at least six splicing isoforms with distinct reactive-center loops, and these isoforms were experimentally validated. Furthermore, we observed a subclade expansion of serpins, and these genes showed high expression in multiple tissues, suggesting their important roles in C. pomonella. Overall, this study will enrich our knowledge of the immunity of C. pomonella and help to elucidate the role of serpins in the immune response.

Bacterial Communities of the Internal Reproductive and Digestive Tracts of Virgin and Mated Tuta absoluta.

Microorganisms can affect host reproduction, defense, and immunity through sexual or opportunistic transmission; however, there are few studies on insect reproductive organs and intestinal bacterial communities and their effects on mating. Tuta absoluta is a worldwide quarantine pest that seriously threatens the production of Solanaceae crops, and the microbial community within tomato leafminers remains unclear. In this study, 16s rRNA sequencing was used to analyze bacterial communities related to the reproductive organs and intestinal tracts of tomato leafminers (the sample accession numbers are from CNS0856533 to CNS0856577). Different bacterial communities were found in the reproductive organs and intestinal tracts of females and males. Community ecological analysis revealed three potential signs of bacterial sexual transmission: (1) Mating increased the similarity between male and female sex organs and intestinal communities. (2) The bacteria carried by mated individuals were found in unmated individuals of the opposite sex but not in unmated individuals of the same sex. (3) The bacteria carried by unmated individuals were lost after mating. In addition, the abundances of bacterial communities carried by eggs were significantly higher than those of adult worms. Our results confirm that mating leads to the transfer of bacterial communities in the reproductive organs and gut of tomato leafminers, and suggest that this community strongly influences the reproductive process.

Integrating biogeographic approach into classical biological control: Assessing the climate matching and ecological niche overlap of two natural enemies against common ragweed in China.

Plant invasion is considered a high priority threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, the environment, and human health worldwide. Classical biological control (biocontrol) is a generally safer and more environmentally benign measure than chemical controls in managing invasive alien plants (IAPs). However, the impacts of climate change and the importance of climate matching in ensuring the efficiency of biocontrol candidates in controlling IAPs are likely to be underestimated. Here, based on the ensemble model and n-dimensional hypervolumes concepts, we estimated the overlapping areas between Ambrosia artemisiifolia and its two most effective natural enemies (Ophraella communa and Epiblema strenuana) under climate change in China. Moreover, we compared their ecological niches, further assessing the impact of climate change on the efficiency of two natural enemies in controlling A. artemisiifolia in China. We found that the potentially suitable areas of the two natural enemies and A. artemisiifolia were primarily influenced by temperature and human influence index variables. Under near-current climate, the overlapping area between O. communa and A. artemisiifolia was the largest, followed by E. strenuana and A. artemisiifolia, and both two natural enemies and A. artemisiifolia. The ecological niche between A. artemisiifolia and O. communa was most similar (0.64), followed by A. artemisiifolia and E. strenuana (0.55). The separate control (the niche separation areas of the two natural enemies against A. artemisiifolia) and joint-control (the niche overlap areas of the two natural enemies against A. artemisiifolia) efficiencies of the two natural enemies against A. artemisiifolia will both increase in future climates (the 2030s and 2050s) in northern and northeastern China. Our findings demonstrate a new approach to assess control efficiency and screen potential release areas of two natural enemies against A. artemisiifolia in China without the need for actual field release or experimentation. Moreover, our findings provide important clues for ensuring the classical biocontrol of IAPs worldwide.