Effect of elevated CO₂ and temperature on maize resistance against the Asian corn borer

Abstract

The increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature has altered the plant‐insect interactions. However, little is known about the intrinsic mechanisms between plant resistance and insect survival strategies under the combined conditions of elevated CO2 and temperature. This study investigated the effects of elevated temperature alone and in combination with CO2 enrichment on the nutrition and resistance of maize (Zea mays L.) to the Asian corn borer (ACB) (Ostrinia furnacalis [Guenée]) and feeding, survival, and physiological response of ACB over 2‐year growing seasons. The maize plants were grown in free‐air CO2 enrichment connected by infrared heating system with the ambient (control), ~4.0°C increase in air temperature (ET) and ET together with ~700 ppm concentration of atmospheric CO2 (ETEC). Elevated CO2 alleviated the effect of ET on total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNC)/N in maize, and thus ETEC did not change this parameter. ETEC enhanced the defensive enzyme activities in maize. Elevated CO2 enhanced the ET effect on increased total phenolics content in maize. ET and ETEC increased the expression levels of the jasmonic acid (JA) defence‐related genes and JA content in maize. Above insect resistance‐related secondary metabolism in maize was enhanced by ACB damage. Except for amylase, ET and ETEC had no effect on the digestive enzyme activities and food intake of ACB, but enhanced its protective enzyme activities. ET and ETEC decreased the survival rate, overwintering larval body weight and fecundity, increased supercooling point of ACB fed on maize. These findings demonstrate that the combination of elevated temperature and CO2 did not influence the nutritional metabolism, but enhanced insect resistance‐related secondary metabolism of maize, which could alleviate the occurrence and damage of ACB in maize under the context of future climate change scenarios.

Exposure of insects and host plants to different concentrations of CO2 affects the performance of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in successive insect generations

“…Such alterations can modify the pattern of resistant plants against insect pests (Karthik et al, 2021). In this regard, little is known about the intrinsic mechanisms between plant resistance and insect survival strategies under future climate scenarios (Xie et al, 2022). Therefore, considering the use of resistant plants as the main control strategy for spittlebugs, it is essential to know the interference of climate change on the control strategies of this insect pest, to avoid any compromise on the sustainability of the production system.…”

Tripartite interactions of an endophytic entomopathogenic fungus, Asian corn borer, and host maize under elevated carbon dioxide

“…30 With an increased CO 2 concentration, the damage to maize plants from O. furnacalis was significantly affected. 31,32 Biological control strategies that utilize the natural ability of B. bassiana to colonize the tissues of maize plants are considered a safer and more effective alternative over chemical pesticides, for the control of O. furnacalis. 33,34 Therefore, we investigated the tripartite interactions of EPFplant-insect in the context of climate change to further the fundamental understanding of the dual use of EPF in integrated pest management strategies.…”