Lasting consequences of psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli L.) infestation on tomato defense, gene expression, and growth

Abstract Background The tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a pest of solanaceous crops such as ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the U.S. and vectors disease-causing pathogen ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. Currently, only effective strategies for controlling diseases associated with this involve regular pesticide applications to manage psyllid population density. However, practices are unsustainable will eventually lead widespread resistance psyllids. Therefore, new control must be developed increase host-plant insect vectors. For example, expression constitutive inducible plant defenses can improved through selection. it still unknown whether infestation has any lasting consequences on defense or gene general. Results In order characterize genes putatively involved against infestation, RNA was extracted from psyllid-infested uninfested leaves (Moneymaker) 3 weeks post-infestation. Transcriptome analysis identified 362 differentially expressed genes. These were primarily responses abiotic/biotic stress, transcription/translation, cellular signaling/transport, photosynthesis. changes suggested that plants underwent reduction growth/health exchange stress observable after infestation. Consistent these observations, growth experiments determined shorter Furthermore, nymphs had lower survival rates been previously infested. Conclusion results expression, defense, growth.