An eco-systems biology approach for modeling tritrophic networks reveals the influence of dietary amino acids on symbiont dynamics of <i>Bemisia tabaci</i>

ABSTRACT Metabolic conversions allow organisms to produce essential metabolites from the available nutrients in an environment, frequently requiring metabolic exchanges among co-inhabiting organisms. Here, we applied genomic-based simulations for exploring tri-trophic interactions sap-feeding insect whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), its host-plants, and symbiotic bacteria. The simplicity of this ecosystem allows capturing interacting (based on genomic data) environmental content metabolomics data). Simulations explored capacities insect-symbiont combinations under environments representing natural phloem. Predictions were correlated with experimental data dynamics symbionts different diets. Simulation outcomes depict a puzzle three-layer origins (plant-insect-symbionts) source across habitats stratify enabling feed diverse hosts. In parallel simulations, artificial feeding experiments provide supporting evidence environment-based effect symbiont dynamics. Based decrease relative abundance can be associated loss fitness advantage due excess amino-acids whose production deprived environment used depend symbiont. study demonstrates that predictions bridge community guide design manipulation strategies.