The role of pathogen diversity on the evolution of resistance in an insect

Abstract

My aim is to determine whether baculovirus diversity affects the rate at which resistance evolves. Using Trichoplusia ni as a host, changes in resistance against single versus mixtures of AcMNPV variants were examined in an evolution experiment. AcMNPV variants were isolated using dilution cloning and characterized using RFLP and pathogenicity bioassay. I found that the rate of evolution of resistance to more diverse pathogen infections to be less than that of single variants and the level of resistance was reduced by over 284-fold compared to specific single variants. Identity of the single variants had a major influence on the rate of evolution of resistance. Additionally, I found evidence of higher fitness costs of resistance to more diverse infections. My findings indicate that pathogen diversity should be factored into resistance management strategies for microbial insecticides and provide insight into the role of pathogen diversity on the evolution of resistance to pathogens. .