Summary
This field study demonstrates that non-pathogenic soil bacteria, commonly considered beneficial for plant growth and defence, can paradoxically weaken aphid biological control by parasitoids whilst directly promoting aphid performance. The findings suggest that microbial associates in soil merit consideration alongside nutritional factors when predicting plant defence strength and natural enemy efficacy. The work indicates that expanding our understanding of plant–microbe–herbivore–natural enemy interactions is essential for predicting pest suppression outcomes in diverse farming systems.
UK applicability
The mechanisms identified may apply to UK arable and horticultural systems where similar soil microbes and aphid parasitoids occur, though the relative importance of these effects may differ with UK soil types, climate, and farming practices. UK researchers and farmers implementing microbial inoculants for crop resilience should consider potential indirect effects on biological control services.
Key measures
Aphid growth rates, parasitism rates by parasitoids, effects of soil bacteria on plant defence deployment, interactions with competing herbivores and natural enemies
Outcomes reported
The study examined how non-pathogenic soil bacteria affect aphid suppression by parasitoids and competing herbivores across varying soil fertility and microbial biodiversity conditions. Results showed that certain bacteria correlated with higher aphid growth and weakened parasitoid-mediated top-down control, with microbial effects outweighing nutritional factors.
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