Changes in life history parameters and transcriptome profile of Serangium japonicum associated with feeding on natural prey (Bemisia tabaci) and alternate host (Corcyra cephalonica eggs)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe mass production of natural predators with prolonged shelf life is a prerequisite for their field application as pest control agents. The traditional methods used for the mass production ofSerangium japonicumrely heavily on the consistent supply of natural prey. This study explains the effects ofB. tabaci(natural prey) andC. cephalonicaeggs (alternative food) on life history and transcriptome profile ofS. japanicum.MethodsThis study compares the effects ofB. tabaci(natural prey) andC. cephalonicaeggs (alternative food) on biology, reproduction, and predatory efficacy, and transcriptome profile ofS. japanicum.ResultsThis study revealed thatS. japonicumwas able to successfully complete its life cycle while feeding onB. tabaci(natural prey) andC. cephalonicaeggs (alternative food). TheC. cephalonicaeggs fedS. japonicumindividuals had longer developmental period and lower fecundity as compared to those feeding on whitefly but the survival rates (3rd instar nymphs, 4th instar nymphs and pupae) and predatory efficacy ofC. cephalonicaeggs fedS. japonicumindividuals were significantly similar to to those feeding on whitefly.Transcriptome analysis showed that when faced with dietary changes,S. japanicumcould successfully feed onC. cephalonicaeggs by regulating genes related to nutrient transport, metabolism, and detoxification. Moreover,S. japanicumdegraded excess cellular components through ribosomal autophagy and apoptosis, which provided sufficient materials and energy for survival and basic metabolism.ConclusionCorcyra cephalonicaeggs can be used as an alternate host for the predator,Serangium japonicum,as the survival rates and predatory efficacy of the predator are similar to those feeding on the natural host (B.tabaci). When faced with dietary changes,S. japanicumcould successfully feed onC. cephalonicaeggs as revealed by upregulation of genes related to nutrient transport, metabolism, and detoxification. These findings are of great significance for studying the functional evolution ofS. japonicumin response to dietary changes.