Maintaining Biological Cultures and Measuring Gene Expression in <em>Aphis nerii</em>: A Non-model System for Plant-insect Interactions

Stephanie S.L. Birnbaum; David C. Rinker; Patrick Abbot

doi:10.3791/58044

Mantenimiento de cultivos biológicos y medir la expresión génica en Aphis nerii: un sist...

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JoVE Journal Genetics

Maintaining Biological Cultures and Measuring Gene Expression in Aphis nerii: A Non-model System for Plant-insect Interactions

Mantenimiento de cultivos biológicos y medir la expresión génica en Aphis nerii: un sistema no-modelo de las interacciones planta-insecto

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07:20 min

August 31, 2018

DOI: 10.3791/58044-v

Stephanie S.L. Birnbaum¹, David C. Rinker¹, Patrick Abbot¹

¹Biological Sciences Department,Vanderbilt University

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Overview

The aphid Aphis nerii colonizes on highly-defended plants in the dogbane family (Apocyanaceae), providing opportunities to study plant-insect interactions. This article presents protocols for maintaining plant and aphid cultures, as well as for generating and analyzing molecular data for A. nerii.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Plant-insect interactions
Aphid biology
Ecology and evolution

Background

Aphis nerii is a model organism for studying aphids.
Understanding plant defenses and aphid adaptations is crucial.
Protocols can be adapted for various aphid species.
Low-cost methods enhance accessibility for researchers.

Purpose of Study

To provide detailed protocols for aphid culturing.
To facilitate genetic analysis of aphids.
To explore molecular mechanisms underlying aphid biology.

Methods Used

Filling seedling trays with germination mix soil.
Planting seeds and maintaining soil moisture.
Utilizing greenhouse conditions for optimal growth.
Conducting genetic analysis on cultured aphids.

Main Results

Successful maintenance of A. nerii cultures.
Protocols applicable to various aphid species.
Insights into the ecological roles of aphids.
Foundation for future studies on aphid biology.

Conclusions

The methods described are effective for aphid research.
Research can contribute to understanding plant-insect dynamics.
Protocols can be adapted for broader applications in ecology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aphis nerii?

Aphis nerii is an aphid species that colonizes plants in the dogbane family, serving as a model for studying plant-insect interactions.

How can I maintain Aphis nerii cultures?

Cultures can be maintained by filling seedling trays with germination mix, planting seeds, and ensuring proper watering and greenhouse conditions.

What are the advantages of the methods described?

The methods are low-cost and applicable to various aphid species, making them accessible for researchers.

What kind of data can be generated from Aphis nerii?

Molecular and -omic data can be generated to study the genetic and ecological aspects of A. nerii.

Can these methods be applied to other aphid species?

Yes, the protocols can be adapted for use with most aphid species.

What is the significance of studying aphids?

Studying aphids helps understand their ecological roles and the molecular mechanisms of their biology.

El pulgón Aphis nerii coloniza plantas muy defendido en la familia del dogbane (Apocyanaceae) y ofrece numerosas oportunidades para el estudio de las interacciones planta-insecto. Aquí, presentamos una serie de protocolos para el mantenimiento de la planta y el pulgón de las culturas y la generación y el análisis molecular y los datos de a. nerii- omic.

Este método describe los pasos generales para el cultivo de pulgones y los pasos para el análisis genético de los pulgones. Estos métodos se pueden aplicar para responder preguntas clave en la evolución y ecología de los pulgones y los mecanismos moleculares que subyacen a la biología de los pulgones. La principal ventaja de esta técnica es que se puede aplicar generalmente a la mayoría de las especies de pulgones y se realiza a un costo relativamente bajo.

Comience llenando una bandeja de plántulas estándar con tierra de mezcla para germinación, teniendo cuidado de que la tierra llegue a la parte superior de los pozos. Cuando todos los pozos se hayan llenado, haga un hoyo de tres centímetros de profundidad en el suelo de cada pozo y coloque una semilla en cada hoyo. Riegue las celdas hasta que la tierra que cubre las semillas esté saturada y coloque la bandeja en un invernadero con riego diario o cada dos días, para mantener un nivel moderado de humedad del suelo.

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