Endosymbiont-mediated resistance to entomotoxic nanoparticles and sex-specific responses in a seed beetle

Bacterial symbionts can promote insecticide resistance in their hosts by isolating and degrading insecticidal compounds or altering the expression of host genes. Although Wolbachia, a common endosymbiont arthropods, typically does not influence resistance, there are cases increased decreased susceptibility. Due to restrictions applying conventional insecticides stored product setting, studies on alternative control methods needed, including those entomotoxic nanoparticles potential for resistance. For pests beans, selenium (SeNPs) relatively innocuous azuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Here, we hypothesized that this response is mediated tested using an isofemale line C. (infected uninfected with Wolbachia). Our results showed lifespan Wolbachia-infected females was affected SeNPs, but increasing concentrations SeNPs still had negative effect fecundity; females, significantly both fecundity. However, males, enhanced incidence sexual harassment behavior regardless infection status (for duration also decreased). In presence 72-h female reproduction independent SeNP treatment, egg hatchability reduced male SeNPs. This study documents valuable example symbiont-mediated nanoparticles.