Tomato Aphid (Aphis gossypii) Secreted Saliva Can Enhance Aphid Resistance by Upregulating Signaling Molecules in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Aphis gossypii watery saliva on the induction of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant resistance. To examine the role of A. gossypii saliva, we collected watery saliva from A. gossypii after a 48 h feeding period on an artificial diet. SDS-PAGE resolving gel 12% was used to separate the salivary proteins. Relative expression of gene analysis revealed that the intrusion of A. gossypii saliva dripping onto S. lycopersicum leaves triggered robust defense responses mediated by a signaling molecule, i.e., salicylic acid, while the signaling molecule’s jasmonic acid-dependent defense responses were moderately activated. Aphid saliva infiltrated S. lycopersicum leaves slowed the intrinsic rate of population growth of A. gossypii and significantly reduced the number of nymphs produced daily, compared to untreated leaves. During a choice test with untreated S. lycopersicum, aphids showed a repellent response towards saliva-infiltrated S. lycopersicum. Moreover, the (EPG) electrical penetration graph analysis demonstrated that the eating pattern of A. gossypii compared to untreated S. lycopersicum, that had been exposed to saliva was negatively impacted. These results provide compelling evidence for the involvement of salivary components of A. gossypii in inducing resistance against aphids in S. lycopersicum plants. Furthermore, the study underscores the crucial role of watery saliva in the intricate interactions between aphids and plants. The activation of pathways was also part of the defensive response (jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) signaling molecules). The findings of this research deliver valuable insights into the potential of watery aphid saliva as a natural defense mechanism against aphid infestations in S. lycopersicum crops.