The impacts of a common plant associated bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae, on survival and reproduction of hemipteran insects

Pseudomonas syringae is a common plant pathogen and is frequently found epiphytically on plant surfaces. The bacterium may also impact herbivorous insects, as it has been shown to be a possible pathogen of pea aphids. Here we show that epiphytic populations of P. syringae can infect multiple species of hemipteran insects and impact both survival and reproductive rates. The effects of this interaction can be influenced by both the bacterial strain and the presence of beneficial symbionts in the insects. These results suggest that the impact of P. syringae on insects in nature may be important but varied. It may also be possible to use the bacterium as a biological control of insect pests.