The effects of plant secondary phenolics on origin and evolution of ant-attended aphids

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24570016
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Ecology/Environment
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: YAO IZUMI 北海道大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 農学研究院研究員 (70374204)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: アリーアブラムシ共生関係 / ブフネラ / ボルバキア / タンニン / カシワ / 季節動態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ant-attended aphids continuously produce honeydew even in summer deteriorate plants. Using molecular technique, this study examined the hypothesis that ant-attended aphids allowed to harbor tannin-degrading symbionts in their guts, and thereby realize season-round honeydew producing, and enable themselves to get continuous ant attendance. Concentration of condensed tannin in Quercus dentata leaves increased with the progressive of season. Tannin-degrading bacteria was not found in ant-attended aphids. Buchnera, Wolbachia, and secondary symbionts were detected in the ant-attended aphids. Although the abundance of Buchnera in aphids did not fluctuate during the season, that of Wolbachia had two peaks in the season.

Free Research Field

動物生態学，進化生態学