A Link Between Communities of Protective Endosymbionts and Parasitoids of the Pea Aphid Revealed in Unmanipulated Agricultural Systems

In the last decade, influence of microbial symbionts on ecological and physiological traits their hosts has been increasingly recognized. However, most these effects have revealed under laboratory conditions, which oversimplifies complexity factors involved in dynamics symbiotic associations nature. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum , forms a complex plant-adapted biotypes, strongly differ prevalence facultative endosymbionts. Some endosymbionts A. shown to confer protection against natural enemies, among Hamiltonella defensa is known protect its host from parasitoid wasps. Here, we tested conditions whether endosymbiont communities different biotypes had protective effect endosymbiotic associated with aphid were linked. A space-time monitoring associations, pressure was carried out three respectively specialized Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Pisum sativum (pea), Trifolium sp. (clover) throughout whole cropping season. While lesser extent, stable over time structured mainly by varied during season differed biotypes. This suggests limited at seasonal scale. found positive correlation between ? ? diversities communities, indicating interactions two guilds. Also, negative H. Fukatsuia symbiotica co-infection intensity alfalfa biotype, confirming field this combination.