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Insect egg‐induced physiological changes and transcriptional reprogramming leading to gall formation
Author(s) -
Oates Caryn N.,
Denby Katherine J.,
Myburg Alexander A.,
Slippers Bernard,
Naidoo Sanushka
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1111/pce.13930
Subject(s) - gall , biology , transcriptome , insect , reprogramming , botany , eucalyptus , transcription factor , plant defense against herbivory , host (biology) , herbivore , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , gene expression , ecology , genetics
Gall‐inducing insects and their hosts present some of the most intricate plant‐herbivore interactions. Oviposition on the host is often the first cue of future herbivory and events at this early time point can affect later life stages. Many gallers are devastating plant pests, yet little information regarding the plant‐insect molecular interplay exists, particularly following egg deposition. We studied the physiological and transcriptional responses of Eucalyptus following oviposition by the gall‐inducing wasp, Leptocybe invasa , to explore potential mechanisms governing defence responses and gall development. RNA sequencing and microscopy were used to explore a susceptible Eucalyptus‐L. invasa interaction. Infested and control material was compared over time (1–3, 7 and 90 days post oviposition) to examine the transcriptional and morphological changes. Oviposition induces accumulation of reactive oxygen species and phenolics which is reflected in the transcriptome analysis. Gene expression supports phytohormones and 10 transcription factor subfamilies as key regulators. The egg and oviposition fluid stimulate cell division resulting in gall development. Eucalyptus responses to oviposition are apparent within 24 hr. Putative defences include the oxidative burst and barrier reinforcement. However, egg and oviposition fluid stimuli may redirect these responses towards gall development.