D3255: The battle between plants and herbivores: Understanding the link between host plant adaptation and metabolic resistance in two-spotted spider mites

The interactions between pests and host plants involve an ongoing evolutionary battle, as the host plant detects the presence of the phytophagous arthropod, and the pest employs strategies to overcome the plant's defenses. However, understanding these interactions is challenging due to their complexity. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a significant species in this context, known for its rapid life cycle, high fecundity, and fast growth rate. This study investigates the impact of salinity and acaricide (mint oil) stresses on the interaction between two-spotted spider mites and two host plants, lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and hop (Humulus lupulus), in a hydroponic system. Plant samples were collected, and phytohormone analysis was performed to examine the levels of abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and Jasmonic acid, which play crucial roles in plant defense mechanisms. It is expected that the detoxification response observed in hop plants will impact the performance, mortality, and fecundity of spider mites. These findings will provide insights into the complex interactions between plants and herbivores under challenging environmental conditions. Moreover, they have practical implications for developing sustainable pest management strategies in hydroponic systems, aiming to reduce the reliance on synthetic acaricides. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the intricate dynamics between pests and host plants. By exploring the effects of salinity and acaricide stresses on the two-spotted spider mite and its interaction with lima bean and hop plants, it enhances our knowledge of the mechanisms involved and provides potential avenues for effective pest control.