Insights into symbiotic infections: Wolbachia and Spiroplasma in field-collected populations of Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)

Abstract

Bacterial endosymbionts are widely known in a diverse range of insects, exhibiting variation in composition, localization, and function. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of insect-associated microbes as valuable tools in pest management. Many hemipteran insects are notorious agricultural pests, causing significant crop losses and acting as vectors for plant viruses. The Sunn pest, Eurygaster maura, is a major cereal pest capable of causing up to 100% yield loss. However, the bacterial endosymbiont composition of E. maura remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of two prominent secondary bacterial endosymbionts associated with E. maura: Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. An asymmetrical interaction between the two bacteria was observed, as reflected in their differing infection frequencies. Among 82% of specimens found to be infected, 60% carried Spiroplasma, 22% harbored Wolbachia, and 15% were co-infected with both symbionts. These infection rates (60% for Spiroplasma and 22% for Wolbachia) represent total prevalence, including both single and co-infected individuals. No significant correlation was found between Spiroplasma and Wolbachia infections. Understanding the microbial community structure in E. maura can enhance our knowledge of tritrophic interactions among plants, herbivorous insects, and endosymbionts. Taken together, our results provide a foundation for understanding host–microbe associations in Eurygaster maura. Furthermore, these findings open new avenues for symbiont-based pest management, such as targeting obligate or facultative symbionts. Potential strategies include the introduction of incompatible Wolbachia strains or manipulation of symbiont composition to alter host reproduction and population dynamics.