Applied Entomology and Zoology (2011) 46, 483-488

Akiyo Tada, Yoshitomo Kikuchi, Takahiro Hosokawa, Dmitry L. Musolin, Kenji Fujisaki and Takema Fukatsu (2011)
Obligate association with gut bacterial symbiont in Japanese populations of the southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Applied Entomology and Zoology 46 (4), 483-488
Abstract: The southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) has a number of sac-like outgrowths, called crypts, in a posterior section of the midgut, wherein a specific bacterial symbiont is harbored. In previous studies on N. viridula from Hawaiian populations, experimental elimination of the symbiont caused few fitness defects in the host insect. Here we report that N. viridula from Japanese populations consistently harbors the same gammaproteobacterial gut symbiont, but, in contrast with previous work, experimental sterilization of the symbiont resulted in severe nymphal mortality, indicating an obligate host-symbiont relationship. Considering worldwide host-symbiont association and these experimental data, we suggest that N. viridula is generally and obligatorily associated with the gut symbiont, but that the effect of the symbiont on host biology may be different among geographic populations. Possible environmental factors that may affect the host-symbiont relationship are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Dmitry L. Musolin

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Nezara viridula		Japan