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An immunological axis of biocontrol: infections in field-trapped insects

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Abstract

Insect immunology is an active research arena, however, the vast majority of research in the area is conducted on model species taken from laboratory cultures. We tested the hypothesis that insects are regularly exposed to infections or invasions in nature and here report results of a field study designed to assess the extent of natural infections in insects collected from agrarian fields surrounding Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Specimens were dissected to assess numbers of nodules. Formation of darkened, melanotic nodules is the predominant cellular immune reaction to microbial and parasitic infection, and once formed, the nodules are permanently attached to internal surfaces. The collected insects were healthy. Of the >400 examined specimens, at least some nodules were found in 98%. Numbers of nodules ranged from ∼2/individual to >100 nodules/individual. We conclude that insects are regularly challenged by microbial and parasitic infections from which they recover. The novel implication of our data is that insect immune systems may limit the host range and effectiveness of agents deployed in biological control programs. Knowledge of insect immune systems may contribute to increased use of biopesticides globally.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Kahramanmaraş Sütcü Imam University research fund (Project KSU-2003/2-9). We thank Deb Palmquist (ARS Midwest Area Statistician) for her excellent assistance with statistical analyses. Sincere thanks to Dr. M. Kubilay ER for critical comments on this paper. We thank Professor Nedim Uygun for help with insect identifications. All experiments reported in this paper comply with the laws of the country in which they were performed. This article reports the results of research only, and mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for its use by the USDA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü Imam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

    Hasan Tunaz

  2. Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, 1503 S. Providence Rd, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA

    David Stanley

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  1. Hasan Tunaz
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  2. David Stanley
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Correspondence to David Stanley.

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Tunaz, H., Stanley, D. An immunological axis of biocontrol: infections in field-trapped insects. Naturwissenschaften 96, 1115–1119 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-009-0572-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-009-0572-3

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