Original paper
Bottom–up effects of ultraviolet-B radiation on tritrophic (tobacco–aphid–natural enemy) interactions
Yang, Chang-Li; Meng, Jian-Yu; Tang, Xue; Huang, Qiuying; Zhang, Chang-Yu
published online: Jan 2, 2026
manuscript accepted: Aug 26, 2025
final revised version received: Apr 28, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Feb 24, 2025
manuscript received: Dec 19, 2024
Open Access (paper may be downloaded free of charge)
Abstract
The bottom–up effects of UV-B radiation on tobacco plant–aphid interactions were recently reported. However, the effects of such radiation on tritrophic interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we examined how UV-B radiation affects the relationships on plant–aphid–natural enemy. Tobacco seedlings were irradiated with a UV-B lamp for 4 h per day (UV4h) for 14 consecutive days. UV4h-treated plants were less attractive to Myzus persicae, but increased recruitment of the parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis and predator Harmonia axyridis. The emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the abundant constituents (+)-2-bornanone, 2-isobutylpyrazine, benzyl acetate, D-limonene, and hexanal, were enhanced by UV4h-treated plants; these VOCs are potential repellents of M. persicae and attractants of two natural enemies. UV4h-treated plants adversely affected the nutritional and defensive characteristics of M. persicae and promoted the control of aphids by their natural enemies (parasitoids and predators). These results suggest that UV-B-induced plant resistance affects the plant–pest–natural enemy tritrophic interaction through its influence on VOC emissions and pest quality, potentially decreasing pest infestation while increasing pest control by natural enemies.
Keywords
UV-B-induced plant resistance •
plant–insect interaction •
Myzus persicae
•
plant volatile •
Aphidius gifuensis
•
immune enzyme •
Harmonia axyridis
•
macronutrient