What are the effects of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the interactions between Aphis gossypii and Lema decempunctata in Lycium barbarum?

Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) are two key defense hormones in plants that play critical roles in mediating plant responses to herbivorous insects. The study investigates how these hormones influence the interactions between Aphis gossypii (aphids) and Lema decempunctata (leaf beetles) in Lycium barbarum (goji berry). Specifically, it examines the effects of aphid and beetle infestations on the development, survival, and reproduction of aphids, as well as the changes in JA and SA levels in the plants.

From: "Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid Crosstalk Mediates Asymmetric Interactions Between Aphis gossypii and Lema decempunctata in Lycium barbarum", Insects 2025, 16(9), 876;

The study found that aphid infestation significantly promoted their own development and reproduction by increasing the salicylic acid (SA) content in the plants, which in turn suppressed the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. This suppression of JA signaling likely reduced the plant's defense against aphids, facilitating their growth and reproduction. Conversely, beetle infestation did not significantly affect the development, survival, or reproduction of aphids but led to a marked increase in JA content in the plants. Exogenous application of the SA analog 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTH) also promoted aphid development and reproduction, while treatment with the JA analog methyl jasmonate (Me-JA) inhibited aphid development. These findings reveal a complex and asymmetric interspecific relationship between the two pests, where aphids can manipulate plant defense mechanisms to their advantage.