Host Plants Identification for Adult Agrotis ipsilon, a Long-Distance Migratory Insect.

Yongqiang Liu,Zhenlong Xing,Xiaowei Fu,Kongming Wu,Limi Mao

doi:10.3390/ijms17060851

Abstract

In this study, we determined the host relationship of Agrotis ipsilon moths by identifying pollen species adhering them during their long-distance migration. Pollen carried by A. ipsilon moths was collected from 2012 to 2014 on a small island in the center of the Bohai Strait, which is a seasonal migration pathway of this pest species. Genomic DNA of single pollen grains was amplified by using whole genome amplification technology, and a portion of the chloroplast rbcL sequence was then amplified from this material. Pollen species were identified by a combination of DNA barcoding and pollen morphology. We found 28 species of pollen from 18 families on the tested moths, mainly from Angiosperm, Dicotyledoneae. From this, we were able to determine that these moths visit woody plants more than herbaceous plants that they carry more pollen in the early and late stages of the migration season, and that the amounts of pollen transportation were related to moth sex, moth body part, and plant species. In general, 31% of female and 26% of male moths were found to be carrying pollen. Amounts of pollen on the proboscis was higher for female than male moths, while the reverse was true for pollen loads on the antennae. This work provides a new approach to study the interactions between noctuid moth and their host plants. Identification of plant hosts for adult moths furthers understanding of the coevolution processes between moths and their host plants.

Highlights

Plants and their insect herbivores represent more than 50% of all known species on earth [1]
We identified host plant used by A. ipsilon moths using DNA bar coding, pollen morphology, andWkneoidwenntdifiisetdribhuotsitopnlsanoft upslaendtsb.yOAu.riprseislounltms iontdhiscautseidngthDaNt AA. bipasrilcoondminogt,hpsoflelednomnonrepchtoarlofgroy,manad kvneorwy nwdiidsetriobfutpiolannstos,f pinlaclnutds.inOgur28ressupletcsieinsdfircoamted1t8haftamA.iliipessiloonf mmoatihnslyfeDd iocnotnyleecdtaornferaoemina vtherey wAidnegioofsppelarnmtss., iKnicslhuidminogto2-Y8asmpeacdiaeseftroalm. (12801f3a)miinlifeesrroefdmhaoisntlyplDanictoftaymleidlioens eoafecihnrtyhseomAenlgidiobspeeetrlmess
Our results showed that the frequency of pollen deposits on the proboscis was higher on female than male moths, which may be due to differences in the nutrient requirements of the sexes, with females generally having a higher nutrient demand than males [32]

Summary

Introduction

Plants and their insect herbivores represent more than 50% of all known species on earth [1]. The yield of many crops usually increases with the number of pollinators, adults of numerous insect species feed on nectar, pollen and other plant exudates that are frequently associated with flowers [3]. As a result of this feeding activity, adults become contaminated with pollen, and the identification of pollen species can be used to determine the insect’s host plants [3]. Previous studies have demonstrated that such molecular markers have the potential to identify insect herbivore diets at the plant family or genus level [15,16]. Wu and Guo (1997) and Jiang et al (2000) found that adult feeding can significantly increase the flight capacity of moths [24,25], and that migratory A. ipsilon were often contaminated with pollen [26]. We investigated the quantities of pollen attached to various parts of bodies of A. ipsilon moths

Plant Hosts Inferred from Pollen

Discussion

Agrotis ipsilon Sampling

Pollen Identification and the Characteristics of Pollen Source Plants

Data Analysis

Conclusions