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A 4 trophic-levels food chain
A 4 trophic-levels food chain
The importance of mutualistic symbioses is increasingly recognized in plant responses to herbivory as well as in plant-mediated interactions. However the role of insect-associated symbionts has received less attention in a multi-trophic perspective (Zhu et al. 2014). The purpose of the project is to address the effects of symbionts associated with insects at different positions in the community structure. In particular we aim to study how parasitoid-associated symbionts impact plant-mediated interactions in order to unravel the complexity of terrestrial-ecological networks.
The importance of mutualistic symbioses is increasingly recognized in plant responses to herbivory as well as in plant-mediated interactions. However the role of insect-associated symbionts has received less attention in a multi-trophic perspective (Zhu et al. 2014). The purpose of the project is to address the effects of symbionts associated with insects at different positions in the community structure. In particular we aim to study how parasitoid-associated symbionts impact plant-mediated interactions in order to unravel the complexity of terrestrial-ecological networks.
When parasitoids attack their herbivore hosts they can inject symbiotic viruses (polydnaviruses) along with the eggs. It has been assumed that the parasitoid larvae feeding within the herbivore body are the hidden players mediating specific induction of plant responses towards attack by parasitized herbivores (Poelman et al. 2011). However parasitoids rely on symbiotic partners to suppress the herbivore immune responses: because polydnaviruses manipulate the herbivore physiology to the benefit of the parasitoids, these viral symbionts could subsequently affect the way the caterpillar interact with the plant.
When parasitoids attack their herbivore hosts they can inject symbiotic viruses (polydnaviruses) along with the eggs. It has been assumed that the parasitoid larvae feeding within the herbivore body are the hidden players mediating specific induction of plant responses towards attack by parasitized herbivores (Poelman et al. 2011). However parasitoids rely on symbiotic partners to suppress the herbivore immune responses: because polydnaviruses manipulate the herbivore physiology to the benefit of the parasitoids, these viral symbionts could subsequently affect the way the caterpillar interact with the plant.
(Left) A parasitoid female attacking a caterpillar host; (Middle) The reproductive tract of a parasitoids showing the eggs, calyx and the venom gland; (Right) Particular of the polydnaviruses contained in the calyx region of the ovary.
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