Brown planthopper (N. lugens Stal) feeding behaviour on rice germplasm as an indicator of resistance

Background

The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) is a serious pest of rice in Asia. Development of novel control strategies can be facilitated by comparison of BPH feeding behaviour on varieties exhibiting natural genetic variation, and then elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of resistance.

Methodology/Principal Findings

BPH feeding behaviour was compared on 12 rice varieties over a 12 h period using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) and honeydew clocks. Seven feeding behaviours (waveforms) were identified and could be classified into two phases. The first phase involved patterns of sieve element location including non penetration (NP), pathway (N1+N2+N3), xylem (N5) [21] and two new feeding waveforms, derailed stylet mechanics (N6) and cell penetration (N7). The second feeding phase consisted of salivation into the sieve element (N4-a) and sieve element sap ingestion (N4-b). Production of honeydew drops correlated with N4-b waveform patterns providing independent confirmation of this feeding behaviour.

Conclusions/Significance

Overall variation in feeding behaviour was highly correlated with previously published field resistance or susceptibility of the different rice varieties: BPH produced lower numbers of honeydew drops and had a shorter period of phloem feeding on resistant rice varieties, but there was no significant difference in the time to the first salivation (N4-b). These qualitative differences in behaviour suggest that resistance is caused by differences in sustained phloem ingestion, not by phloem location. Cluster analysis of the feeding and honeydew data split the 12 rice varieties into three groups: susceptible, moderately resistant and highly resistant. The screening methods that we have described uncover novel aspects of the resistance mechanism (or mechanisms) of rice to BPH and will in combination with molecular approaches allow identification and development of new control strategies.     

Electrical penetration graphic waveforms in relation to the actual positions of the stylet tips of Nilaparvata lugens in rice tissue

The stylet penetration behavior of Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in rice plants (Oryza sativa) was evaluated through the use of an electrical penetration graph (EPG). To accomplish this, we classified the EPG signals into seven different waveforms, np, N1, N2, N3, N4-a, N4-b, and N5, according to their shapes, amplitudes, and frequencies. The N4-b waveform was always preceded by N3 and N4-a, in that order. Continuous honeydew excretion only occurred during the N4-b period, and the honeydew deposited on a filter paper containing ninhydrin reagent during the N4-b period was stained violet. The tips of the stylets that were severed in the N3, N4-a, and N4-b periods were in the phloem region of rice. Moreover, the flow of plant sap after stylectomy only occurred during the N4-b period. Finally, sucrose was the only carbohydrate component identified when HPLC analysis of the plant sap was conducted. On the other hand, honeydew excretion hardly occurred during the N5 period and the tips of the stylets that were severed during the N5 period were located in the xylem region of rice. Based on the location of the stylets and honeydew excretion, the EPG waveforms for the stylet penetration behaviors of N. lugens were assigned to the following groups; np: non-penetration of stylets, N1: penetration initiation, N2: salivation and stylet movement, N3: an extracellular activity near the phloem region, N4-a: an intracellular activity in phloem region, N4-b: phloem sap ingestion, and N5: activity in the xylem region.     

Genetic mapping of the rice resistance-breaking gene of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens

Host plant resistance has been widely used for controlling the major rice pest brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens). However, adaptation of the wild BPH population to resistance limits the effective use of resistant rice varieties. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was conducted to identify resistance-breaking genes against the anti-feeding mechanism mediated by the rice resistance gene Bph1. QTL analysis in iso-female BPH lines with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers detected a single region on the 10th linkage group responsible for the virulence. The QTL explained from 57 to 84% of the total phenotypic variation. Bulked segregant analysis with next-generation sequencing in F₂ progenies identified five SNPs genetically linked to the virulence. These analyses showed that virulence to Bph1 was controlled by a single recessive gene. In contrast to previous studies, the gene-for-gene relationship between the major resistance gene Bph1 and virulence gene of BPH was confirmed. Identified markers are available for map-based cloning of the major gene controlling BPH virulence to rice resistance.     

Electrical penetration graphs indicate that tricin is a key secondary metabolite of rice,inhibiting phloem feeding of brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens

Tricin (5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxyflavone) is a valuable secondary metabolite which is widely present in gramineous plants, including cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) (Poaceae). It can defend the rice plant against damage by the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), one of the most important pests of rice. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of tricin on BPH feeding behavior. BPH feeding behavior in resistant (Rathu Heenati, RHT) and susceptible (Taichuang native 1, TN1) rice varieties and artificial diets was monitored using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. Tricin concentrations in leaves of varieties RHT and TN1 were quantitatively analyzed by liquid chromatography, coupled to tandem mass spectrometric techniques. Six (NP and N1‐5) and four (NP, N1, N2, and N4) types of waveforms occurred during feeding on rice plants and artificial diets, respectively. The tricin concentration of rice varieties was correlated with total and average durations of N4. Moreover, EPG data indicated that tricin significantly increased the duration of non‐probing and pathway periods and strongly inhibited phloem ingestion (N4). The inhibition was strongly dose dependent, resulting in complete suppression of activity in the phloem region when the tricin concentration was increased to 1 g l^?1. This study revealed that tricin disturbed the feeding behavior of BPH mainly by increasing the non‐probe period and inhibiting phloem ingestion. We confirmed the hypothesis that tricin is a ‘stylet probing stimulant’ of rice planthoppers as proposed in previous studies. The information on the ecological effect of tricin from this study may be useful to clarify the resistance mechanism against BPH of RHT and other tricin‐containing rice varieties.     

Mechanisms of resistance to the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens in wild rice (Oryza spp.) cultivars

Three wild rice species and six cultivated rice varieties were evaluated to determine their mechanisms of resistance toNilaparvata lugens (Stal.). Wild rice species,Oryza officinalis, O. punctata, andO. latifolia and cultivated rices Rathu Heenati (Bph 3), Babawee (bph 4), ARC 10 550 (bph 5), Swarnalata (Bph 6), Ptb 33 (bph 2+Bph 3) and the susceptible Taichung Native (TN 1) (no resistance gene) were included in the study. In a free choice seedbox screening test, wild rice species maintained their high level of resistance through the 48 h exposure toN. lugens nymphs while plant damage ratings of cultivated rice varieties increased with time. Wild rices were non preferred and significantly more individuals settled on susceptible TN 1 followed by cultivated rices. The quantity of food ingested and assimilated byN. lugens on wild rices was less than on cultivated resistant varieties.N. lugens caged on resistant wild rices had slow nymphal development, reduced longevity, low fecundity, and low egg hatchability as compared toN. lugens on cultivated resistant varieties.     

云南野生稻抗褐飞虱评价及其抗性基因鉴定

褐飞虱是水稻生产中最严重的害虫之一,从野生稻中发掘抗虫基因,有利于培育具有抗虫能力强的水稻新品种。该研究通过对云南野生稻进行温室和大田抗虫鉴定以及9个已知抗褐飞虱基因的PCR鉴定,发现云南野生稻对褐飞虱表现出不同程度的抗性,尤其疣粒野生稻和药用野生稻对褐飞虱表现出高抗,可作为抗虫基因发掘的优良抗源材料;不同褐飞虱抗性的云南野生稻中含有的抗褐飞虱基因差异很大,3种野生稻中均不含Bph1和Bph18(t)抗病基因,景洪普通野生稻和元江普通野生稻可能含bph2基因,东乡普通野生稻可能含bph2、Bph15和Bph27(t)基因,疣粒野生稻中可能含bph2和bph19(t)基因,药用野生稻和药用野生稻(宽叶型)中可能含bph2和Bph6基因,药用野生稻F1中可能含bph2、Bph14和bph20(t)基因,药用野生稻F2中可能含bph2和Bph27(t)基因或者其同源基因。该研究为快速发掘利用云南野生稻中的抗虫基因奠定了理论基础。     

中国与越南褐飞虱和白背飞虱生物型研究

【目的】监测我国与越南褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens St?l和白背飞虱Sogatella furcifera Horvath生物型,为抗虫育种工作提供指导。【方法】应用群体集团检测法和蜜露量检测法研究了中国广西、云南、河南、湖南、重庆、贵州和越南河内、河静、顺化、胡志明市和九龙江田间褐飞虱和白背飞虱的致害特性和生物型组成结构。【结果】我国主要稻区(除云南思茅外)和越南中北部的田间褐飞虱以Ⅱ型的比例多,对含Bph1、bph2基因的鉴别品种表现为致害;云南思茅的田间褐飞虱以Ⅱ+Ⅱ型的比例多,对含Bph1、bph2和bph4基因的鉴别品种表现为致害或强致害;越南胡志明市、九龙江的田间褐飞虱以Ⅱ+Ⅱ型的比例多,对含Bph1、bph2、Bph3、bph4基因的鉴别品种主要表现为致害或强致害。我国白背飞虱以Ⅰ型比例较多;越南顺化和河内以Ⅱ型比例多;所有监测点白背飞虱的致害特性总体表现为对含Wph1、Wbph2基因的鉴别品种的致害能力较强,对Wbph3的致害能力表现不一,对含Wph5基因的鉴别品种表现为中等致害。【结论】抗虫育种选择抗源时,不要选含Bph1、bph2基因的水稻品种作为褐飞虱抗源,不要选含基因Wbph1或Wbph2的水稻品种作为白背飞虱抗源。     

水稻OsLecRK1基因介导的抗褐飞虱功能分析

褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens St(a)l是对水稻最具破坏性的害虫之一,OsLecRK1是水稻Bph3基因簇中对褐飞虱抗性贡献最大的基因.本文对RHTd(含Bph3)等材料进行了褐飞虱抗性评价,克隆并构建了OsLecRK1过量表达突变体水稻,利用该突变体分析了OsLecRK1基因对褐飞虱若虫存活率、若虫发育历期等生物学参数的影响.结果 表明,含Bph3基因水稻RHTd对褐飞虱的抗性明显地强于含Bph1基因水稻Mudgo和bph2基因水稻ASD7,RHTd水稻的褐飞虱受害指数仅为Mudgo和ASD7水稻的53.5％和24.1％.过量表达OsLecRK1基因能显著地增加水稻对褐飞虱的驱避性和抗生性,褐飞虱雌成虫偏好于在野生型水稻上产卵;突变体水稻上的褐飞虱若虫存活率显著地降低,仅为野生型水稻上若虫存活率的75.2％ ～81.8％,且若虫发育历期显著地延长,羽化率和初羽化雌成虫体重均显著地降低;此外,褐飞虱在突变体水稻上取食分泌的蜜露量只有野生型上的40.3％ ～ 60.9％,褐飞虱单雌产卵量只为野生型51％ ～61.2％,卵孵化率只有野生型的52.2％～56.7％,均显著地减少.结果 表明,含Bph3基因水稻RHTd对褐飞虱的抗性明显地高于分别含Bph1、bph2的水稻Mudgo和ASD7;水稻Bph3基因座的OsLecRK1单个基因过量表达即可显著增加水稻对褐飞虱的抗性,OsLecRK1协同影响褐飞虱的多个生物学参数降低褐飞虱的适合度.     

不同水稻品种上白背飞虱取食行为的EPG分析

【目的】为探明不同水稻品种（丰源优272、R9810-T、华恢1号、明恢63、麻糯谷和Rathu Heenati）对白背飞虱Sogatella furcifera的抗性差异机理,利用刺吸电位技术(electronic penetration graph, EPG)记录了该虫在这6个品种三叶期稻苗上的取食行为。【方法】结合特定的EPG波形,考察了9个非韧皮部指标和22个韧皮部指标。【结果】在总记录时间8 h内,白背飞虱在品种Rathu Heenati上非刺探波np的总时间最长,其次是麻糯谷上非刺探波np的总时间,这两者间差异显著且都显著地长于其他4个品种的np总时间(P<0.05);该虫在Rathu Heenati上路径波Nc的总时间为8 523.41 s,是感虫品种明恢63 Nc总时间的2.24倍;该虫在Rathu Heenati上吸食韧皮部汁液N4-b的总时间显著地比其他品种短(P<0.05)。华恢1号和R9810-T上所有的EPG指标和感虫品种明恢63的EPG指标都没有显著的差异(P≥0.05)。白背飞虱在丰源优272上单次分泌水溶性唾液N4-a的平均时间更长,并伴随长时间的韧皮部取食。【结论】由此推测,品种Rathu Heenati可能存在不利于白背飞虱取食的忌避成分,并且在韧皮部外组织和韧皮部组织都存在抗性因子;在麻糯谷上仅存在忌避成分;然而,品种华恢1号和R9810-T可能对白背飞虱不具有明显的抗性;丰源优272可能是比明恢63更为感虫的品种。结合介体昆虫取食行为与传播持久性病毒的关系,这些结果也为利用抗白背飞虱品种控制南方水稻黑条矮缩病提供了参考。     

Mapping of a broad-spectrum brown planthopper resistance gene, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bph3</Emphasis>, on rice chromosome 6

The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice in Thailand. We performed a cluster analysis that revealed the existence of four groups corresponding to the variation of virulence against BPH resistance genes in 45 BPH populations collected in Thailand. Rice cultivars Rathu Heenati and PTB33, which carry Bph3, showed a broad-spectrum resistance against all BPH populations used in this study. The resistant gene Bph3 has been extensively studied and used in rice breeding programs against BPH; however, the chromosomal location of Bph3 in the rice genome has not yet been determined. In this study, a simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis was performed to identify and localize the Bph3 gene derived from cvs. Rathu Heenati and PTB33. For mapping of the Bph3 locus, we developed two backcross populations, BC₁F₂ and BC₃F₂, from crosses of PTB33 × RD6 and Rathu Heenati × KDML105, respectively, and evaluated these for BPH resistance. Thirty-six polymorphic SSR markers on chromosomes 4, 6 and 10 were used to survey 15 resistant (R) and 15 susceptible (S) individuals from the backcross populations. One SSR marker, RM190, on chromosome 6 was associated with resistance and susceptibility in both backcross populations. Additional SSR markers surrounding the RM190 locus were also examined to define the location of Bph3. Based on the linkage analysis of 208 BC₁F₂ and 333 BC₃F₂ individuals, we were able to map the Bph3 locus between two flanking SSR markers, RM589 and RM588, on the short arm of chromosome 6 within 0.9 and 1.4 cM, respectively. This study confirms both the location of Bph3 and the allelic relationship between Bph3 and bph4 on chromosome 6 that have been previously reported. The tightly linked SSR markers will facilitate marker-assisted gene pyramiding and provide the basis for map-based cloning of the resistant gene.     

不同地理种群褐飞虱的抗逆性

研究了不同地理种群褐飞虱对水稻抗性品种、若虫高密度、高温、饥饿和杀虫剂等逆境条件的抗性。结果表明,广西和云南种群褐飞虱对抗虫品种的适应性比浙江种群强而广,浙江种群只能适应抗虫品种ＩＲ２６而广西和云南种群则还能适应抗性更高的ＡＳＤ７和Ｒａｔｈｕ Ｈｅｅｎａｔｉ。广西和云南种群较能适应高密度环境,而浙江种群的适应性较差,其雌虫短翅率与若虫密度呈显著负相关。虽然广西和云南种群对高温的忍受性比浙江种群的强     

Aspects of brown planthopper adaptation to resistant rice varieties with the Bph3 gene

Despite over 30 years of deployment, varieties with the Bph3 gene for resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), are still effective in much of the Philippines. In the present study, we determined the effects of adaptation to one resistant variety, IR62 – assumed to possess the Bph3 gene – on (1) resistance against a series of varieties with similar biotypical responses (presumed to contain the same major resistance genes), and (2) a differential variety with the bph4 gene that occurs at the same chromosome position as Bph3. We also examined the effects of high soil nitrogen on the effectiveness of Bph3. Feeding, planthopper biomass, and development times were reduced in a wild BPH population when reared on IR62 compared with the susceptible standard variety TN1. However, nitrogen application increased the susceptibility of IR62. After 13 generations on IR62, BPH had adapted to the plant’s resistance. Virulence of the adapted BPH against the variety ‘Rathu Heenati’ supports the idea that Bph3 is present in IR62. Across similar IR varieties (IR60, IR66, IR68, IR70, IR72, and IR74), feeding, planthopper biomass, and development rates were generally higher for IR62‐adapted than for non‐adapted BPH; however, contrary to expectations, many of these varieties were already susceptible to wild BPH. Fitness was also higher for IR62‐adapted BPH on the variety ‘Babawee’ indicating a close relation between Bph3 and bph4. The results indicate that the conventional understanding of the genetics behind resistance in IR varieties needs to be readdressed to develop and improve deployment strategies for resistance management.     

THE VIRULENCE CHANGE AND DAMAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS GEOGRAPHIC POPULATIONS OF BROWN PLANTHOPPER*

Abstract The virulence change and damage characteristics of brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stal, populations collected from Guangxi, Yunnan and Zhejiang Provinces were studied by using various resistant rice varieties. The results indicated that the Zhejiang population could successfully infest varieties IR26 and Mudgo, showing the characters of BPH biotype 2 after 1989. The Guangxi population, however, could adapt the resistant varieties IR26, Mudgo and ASD7 after 1991. In 1997, the nymphal survival indices of Guangxi and Yunnan populations on Rathu Heenati (Bph3) were up to 70. 9 and 66. 7 respectively. This may imply that the BPH populations in Guangxi and Yunnan have shifted into a new biotype. In free-choice test, there was obvious difference in the feeding preference of nymphs and adults of Zhejiang population, the adult preferred to feeding on resistant variety IR26 and the nymphs chose the hosts randomly. Under 26 C and L12: D12, the nymphal duration of Zhejiang population was the longest in the three tested populations. For Guangxi population, the nymphal duration on ASD7 was significantly longer than on TN1, although it could infest resistant variety ASD7. The nymphal survival rate of Zhejiang population fed on IR26 was higher than those fed on TN1 and ASD7. On varieties IR26 and ASD7, an obviously higher nymphal survival rate was observed in Yunnan population as compared to those of Zhejiang and Guangxi populations. These results indicate that difference in virulence and damage characteristics could be found in different geographical populations of BPH.     

High-resolution mapping of the brown planthopper resistance gene Bph6 in rice and characterizing its resistance in the 9311 and Nipponbare near isogenic backgrounds

Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål, BPH) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice. Exploring resistance genes from diverse germplasms and incorporating them into cultivated varieties are critical for controlling this insect. The rice variety Swarnalata was reported to carry a resistance gene (designated Bph6), which has not yet been assigned to a chromosome location and the resistance mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we identified and mapped this gene using the F₂ and backcrossing populations and characterized its resistance in indica 9311 and japonica Nipponbare using near isogenic lines (NILs). In analysis of 9311/Swarnalata F₂ population, the Bph6 gene was located on the long arm of chromosome 4 between the SSR markers RM6997 and RM5742. The gene was further mapped precisely to a 25-kb region delimited between the STS markers Y19 and Y9; and the distance between these markers is 25-kb in Nipponbare genome. The Bph6 explained 77.5% of the phenotypic variance of BPH resistance in F₂ population and 84.9% in BC₂F₂ population. Allele from Swarnalata significantly increased resistance to the BPH, resulted in a reduced damage score. In characterization of Bph6-mediated resistance, the BPH insects showed significant preference between NIL-9311 and 9311 in 3 h and between NIL-NIP and Nipponbare in 120 h after release. BPH growth and development were inhibited, and the insect’s survival rates were lower on Bph6-NIL plants, compared with the parents 9311 and Nipponbare. The results indicate that the Bph6 exerted prolonged antixenotic and antibiotic effects in Bph6-NIL plants, and NIL-9311 plants showed a quicker and stronger effect toward BPH than NIL-NIP plants.     

Differential expression of vitellogenin mRNA and protein in response to rice resistance genes in two strains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nilaparvata</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">lugens</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) with different levels of virulence

Controlling the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is a difficult task in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. We focused on vitellogenins (Vg), which are the major yolk protein precursors of vitellins and play an important role in the reproduction of oviparous species, including insects. We studied the accumulation of Vg mRNA and protein in a virulent BPH strain, Nagasaki-03, and a nonvirulent strain, Hatano-66, after rearing them on four rice lines. The rice lines used were two single resistance gene introgression lines, Norin-PL3 (Bph1 carrier) and Norin-PL4 (bph2 carrier), a pyramided line in which both genes were combined, and a susceptible japonica recurrent parent Tsukushibare. RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that the Vg mRNA level decreased greatly in Hatano-66 on the resistant lines. In contrast, the level of reduction on the resistant lines was much less in Nagasaki-03. Immunoblot analysis showed that Nagasaki-03 retained comparable levels of 175 kDa Vg protein on both the susceptible and resistant lines, whereas in Hatano-66, no Vg protein was detected on the resistant lines. Our results showed that BPH resistance genes caused differential reduction in the accumulation of Vg mRNA and protein, leading to the retardation of BPH reproduction on the resistant host rice plants.     

Fine mapping of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) resistance gene Bph28(t) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice (Oryza sativa L.) throughout the Asian rice-growing countries. DV85 is a BPH-resistant indica variety. A single dominance gene conferring resistance in DV85 was previously mapped on the long arm of chromosome 11. The objectives of this study were to investigate feeding behaviors of BPH on DV85 plants and fine-map the BPH resistance gene, here designated Bph28(t). A seedling bulk test was conducted to identify resistant plant reactionsvg to BPH feeding. The results showed that the resistance of DV85 functions by means of tolerance during BPH attack, rather than non-preference and antibiosis. For fine mapping, two F2 populations were developed by crossing DV85 with the susceptible japonica variety Kinmaze and indica 9311. A high-resolution genetic map harboring Bph28(t) was constructed and Bph28(t) was finally physically defined to an interval of 64.8 kb between markers Indel55 and Indel66. The fine-mapped Bph28(t) gene will facilitate marker-assisted gene pyramiding for BPH resistance.     

Study of the relationship between the content of the rare earth element Eu in rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Abstract The current study investigated changes in the content of the rare earth element Europium (Eu) in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) using an Eu marker and hydroponic culture. The results showed that N. lugens infestation significantly reduced Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of two rice varieties, Shenyou 1 and Xieyou 963. The Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of the susceptible variety, Shenyou 1, was significantly higher than that in the resistant variety, Xieyou 963. The Eu content of N. lugens fed on Shenyou 1 was significantly higher than of those fed on Xieyou 963. In addition, the Eu level was elevated at a higher density of N. lugens infestation. Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens was related to their weight and honeydew excretion, with a significant positive correlation. Thus, Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens can be considered an index of the amount of phloem sap taken in by N. lugens because the amount of honeydew excretion is proportional to the amount of phloem sap consumed. The ratios of Eu content in N. lugens to that in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants were elevated at a higher N. lugens infestation density. That ratio was maximal in leaves, was intermediate in shoots and was minimal in roots. There was no significant difference in ratios between the two plant varieties. An Eu marker may be useful in the screening of resistant varieties and in the study of the mechanisms of resistance.     

Characterization of electrical penetration graphs of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, in sweet orange seedlings

Detailed information on probing behavior of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is critical for understanding the transmission process of phloem‐limited bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) associated with citrus ‘huanglongbing’ by this vector. In this study, we investigated stylet penetration activities of D. citri on seedlings of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Pêra (Rutaceae) by using the electrical penetration graph (EPG‐DC system) technique. EPG waveforms were described based on amplitude, frequency, voltage level, and electrical origin of the observed traces during stylet penetration into plant tissues. The main waveforms were correlated with histological observations of salivary sheath termini in plant tissues, to determine the putative location of stylet tips. The behavioral activities were also inferred based on waveform similarities in relation to other Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids and whiteflies. In addition, we correlated the occurrence of specific waveforms with the acquisition of the phloem‐limited bacterium Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus by D. citri. The occurrence of a G‐like xylem sap ingestion waveform in starved and unstarved psyllids was also compared. By analyzing 8‐h EPGs of adult females, five waveforms were described: (C) salivary sheath secretion and other stylet pathway activities; (D) first contact with phloem (distinct from other waveforms reported for Sternorrhyncha); (E1) putative salivation in phloem sieve tubes; (E2) phloem sap ingestion; and (G) probably xylem sap ingestion. Diaphorina citri initiates a probe with stylet pathway through epidermis and parenchyma (C). Interestingly, no potential drops were observed during the stylet pathway phase, as are usually recorded in aphids and other Sternorrhyncha. Once in C, D. citri shows a higher propensity to return to non‐probing than to start a phloem or xylem phase. Several probes are usually observed before the phloem phase; waveform D is observed upon phloem contact, always immediately followed by E1. After E1, D. citri either returns to pathway activity (C) or starts phloem sap ingestion, which was the longest activity observed.     

Fine mapping and characterization of BPH27, a brown planthopper resistance gene from wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål; BPH) is one of the most serious rice pests worldwide. Growing resistant varieties is the most effective way to manage this insect, and wild rice species are a valuable source of resistance genes for developing resistant cultivars. BPH27 derived from an accession of Guangxi wild rice, Oryza rufipogon Griff. (Accession no. 2183, hereafter named GX2183), was primarily mapped to a 17-cM region on the long arm of the chromosome four. In this study, fine mapping of BPH27 was conducted using two BC₁F₂ populations derived from introgression lines of GX2183. Insect resistance was evaluated in the BC₁F₂ populations with 6,010 individual offsprings, and 346 resistance extremes were obtained and employed for fine mapping of BPH27. High-resolution linkage analysis defined the BPH27 locus to an 86.3-kb region in Nipponbare. Regarding the sequence information of rice cultivars, Nipponbare and 93-11, all predicted open reading frames (ORFs) in the fine-mapping region have been annotated as 11 types of proteins, and three ORFs encode disease-related proteins. Moreover, the average BPH numbers showed significant differences in 96–120 h after release in comparisons between the preliminary near-isogenic lines (pre-NILs, lines harboring resistance genes) and BaiR54. BPH growth and development were inhibited and survival rates were lower in the pre-NIL plants compared with the recurrent parent BaiR54. The pre-NIL exhibited 50.7 % reductions in population growth rates (PGR) compared to BaiR54. The new development in fine mapping of BPH27 will facilitate the efforts to clone this important resistant gene and to use it in BPH-resistance rice breeding.