UNIMELB_PRITHIVSIVAJIDORAI-Ashritha_VYT-LOCAL-2025

<p dir="ltr">Aphids (superfamily <i>Aphidoidea, </i>order Hemiptera) are a major pest of agriculture. The management of aphids in agriculture has over-relied on pesticides. However, the overuse of pesticides has led to aphids like <i>Myzus persicae </i>(green peach aphid<i>)</i> developing resistance over the years. This issue together with the withdrawal of some pesticides has raised issues around the future control of aphids. Aphids contain bacterial communities, known as endosymbionts which have evolved with them over time. Endosymbionts have important effects on aphid physiology, such as heat shock resistance and resistance to parasitism and may provide useful targets for novel methods of pest control, but little is known about their contribution to pesticide resistance. By manipulation of the endosymbiont in aphids, the effect on chemical tolerance can be studied. It is important, as a novel pest control method with increased resistance may have its implications. A bacterial endosymbiont called <i>Rickettsiella </i>causes significant fitness costs in the green peach aphid. My data on <i>M. persicae, </i>showed no significant difference in chemical tolerance between infected and uninfected strains of the endosymbiont <i>Rickettsiella. </i>By determining the potential contribution of endosymbionts to pesticide resistance, my research will provide insight into how microbial symbioses can be implemented in the sustainable management of pest aphids in agriculture. This may lead to improved strategies for controlling pesticide resistant pests, and reducing our reliance on chemical pesticides.<br></p>