Microbial meta-transcriptome of developmental life stages of Anastrepha ludens
The purpose of the study was to identify the transcriptional activity of all microbes during five different developmental phases of the tephritid fruit fly Anastrepha ludens. These phases included egg, third larval instar, pupa, young adult (less than 5 days old) and old adult (5-15 days old). Anastrepha ludens is a major plant pest that has successfully been controlled with sterile insect technique (SIT). SIT requires many male flies to be produced on weekly basis that must compete with wild males for mating. Microbes play a role in increasing the fitness of the flies and as pathogens that can destroy SIT colonies. Understanding the transcriptional role of microbes in A. ludens will identify target for pathogen control and probiotics to aid in the health of the flies.