An Assessment of the Effects of Insect Host Condition on Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria

Abstract

This study investigated a system comprised of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae), their symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus, Photorhabdus) and an insect host, M. sexta. The focus of this investigation was to examine the effects insect host condition on the nematode-bacterium mutualistic partnership as a whole. The EPN used in the study had varying host-searching strategies: an ambusher, Steinernema carpocapsae, and a cruiser, Heterorhabditis sonorensis. Insect host age and diet were evaluated as factors that affect insect host condition. Wandering 5th instar M. sexta were much less susceptible to EPN infection compared to non-wandering 5th instar larvae, regardless of EPN species. Insect host diet had a significant impact on H. sonorensis susceptibility to EPN infection, and a non-significant trend was observed for S. carpocapsae. EPN and bacterial symbiont fitness were unaffected by insect host condition. This is the first record of the effect of insect host condition on both EPN and their symbiotic bacteria.