Host life stage- and temperature-dependent density of the symbiont Buchnera aphidicola in a subtropical pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) population

The function of the pea aphid's primary symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, has been well studied. However, the factors affecting the dynamics of Buchnera density are seldom studied simultaneously. A better understanding of these factors could provide insights into its symbiosis with aphids. This study evaluated the effects of host life stage and rearing temperature on Buchnera density. We measured Buchnera density in seven life stages of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) reared at six constant temperatures. Both host life stage and temperature significantly affected Buchnera density, which tended to decrease as aphid age and rearing temperature increased. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Korean Society of Applied Entomology, Taiwan Entomological Society and Malaysian Plant Protection Society.