Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2017) 165, 129-137

Indrikis Krams, Sanita Kecko, Inna Inashkina, Giedrius Trakimas, Ronalds Krams, Didzis Elferts, Jolanta Vrublevska, Priit Jõers, Markus J. Rantala, Severi Luoto, Jorge Contreras-Garduño, Liga Jankevica, Laila Meija and Tatjana Krama (2017)
Food quality affects the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes upon simulated parasite attack in the larvae of greater wax moth
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 165 (2-3), 129-137
Abstract: Predator-prey interactions are an important evolutionary force affecting the immunity of the prey. Parasitoids and mites pierce the cuticle of their prey, which respond by activating their immune system against predatory attacks. Immunity is a costly function for the organism, as it often competes with other life-history traits for limited nutrients. We tested whether the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) of the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) changes as a consequence of insertion of a nylon monofilament, which acts like a synthetic parasite. The treatment was done for larvae grown on a high-quality vs. a low-quality diet. The expression of Gloverin and 6-tox were upregulated in response to the insertion of the nylon monofilament. The expression of 6-tox, Cecropin-D, and Gallerimycin were significantly higher in the 'low-quality diet' group than in the 'high-quality diet' group. As food quality seems to affect AMP gene expression in G. mellonella larvae, it should always be controlled for in studies on bacterial and fungal infections in G. mellonella.
(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): Jorge Contreras-Garduño

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Galleria mellonella