Webinar: Prof. Edel Pérez-López

Abstract  

Synthetic pesticides remain central to pest control, but environmental concerns and resistance are driving the search for sustainable alternatives. Insect-associated microbiomes offer untapped potential for developing targeted biological control strategies. Here we investigated the microbiome of the potato leafhopper Empoasca fabae, a major agricultural pest, using metagenomic sequencing of wild specimens from alfalfa fields in southern Québec. After removing host DNA, we assembled 34 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including 12 high-quality genomes. Key taxa included Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Symbiopectobacterium, and several Enterobacteriaceae (Pantoea, Kosakonia, Enterobacter). Functional annotation revealed biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) linked to antimicrobial and signaling compounds, particularly in Pseudomonas. Enterobacteriaceae were enriched in pathways for sugar metabolism, possibly supporting insect nutrition. We also detected 17 prophages, primarily in Enterobacteriaceae, some with intact structural and regulatory genes, including CI repressors, indicative of active lysogenic cycles. These findings highlight microbial symbionts and phages as promising targets for biocontrol. By manipulating the leafhopper microbiome, disrupting key symbionts, enhancing antagonistic strains, or activating latent phages, it may be possible to reduce pest fitness or vector competence. This work sets the foundation for microbiome-based pest control approaches, contributing to more sustainable agriculture.