Insecticidal Degradation by Pseudomonas melophthora, the Bacterial Symbiote of the Apple Maggot1

Abstract

Pseudomonas melophthora (Allen and Riker), an obligate extracellular bacterial symbiote of the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), has demonstrable degradation activities against all 6 insecticides tested (dichlorovos, diazinon, parathion, DFP (diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate), dieldrin, and carbaryl), belonging to 3 major groups (chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, and carbamates). This is the first demonstration of insecticidal degradation by an insect microbial symbiote. However, the significance of this unique property as a possible protecting mechanism of the host insect is unknown.