# Colonization Priority of Spider Mites Modulates Antioxidant Defense of Bean Plants

## TL;DR

This study shows that the order in which two spider mite species colonize bean plants affects their population and the plants' antioxidant defenses.

## Contribution

The study reveals that colonization priority influences mite abundance and plant antioxidant enzyme activity.

## Key findings

- Tetranychus urticae colonization first significantly reduced Tetranychus ludeni abundance.
- Mite infestation increased antioxidant enzyme activity in bean plants.
- Colonization order determines plant responses and mite interactions.

## Abstract

This study investigated how the order of colonization by two herbivorous mite species influences their abundance and the antioxidant enzyme activity in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The authors tested the hypothesis that the first herbivore species to colonize the plant gains an advantage over the other and examined how the host responds to herbivory. The results showed that initial colonization by Tetranychus urticae significantly reduced the abundance of Tetranychus ludeni. In addition, infestation induced changes in the enzymatic activity of bean plants, indicating the activation of plant defense mechanisms. It was also demonstrated that the order of mite colonization is a determinant factor in the interactions between these species and the host response. This information is relevant to agricultural systems and production, as it contributes to understanding the behavior of agricultural pests and plant responses to herbivory, supporting the development of sustainable and efficient integrated pest management strategies.

The first species of herbivore to colonize the plant can obtain advantages and displace other organisms to less favorable substrates. This study evaluated whether the colonization order of the herbivores Tetranychus ludeni Zacher and T. urticae Koch (Tetranychidae) influences their population dynamics and antioxidant enzymatic activity of bean plants (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.). Experiments manipulating the colonization priority were performed, and the activities of the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. The results indicated priority for T. urticae led to a significant reduction in T. ludeni abundance, suggesting that the order of species influences the total abundance of mites. The presence of mites affected the antioxidant enzymatic activities APX, CAT, and SOD. These findings provide important insights into the response of bean plants to herbivorous mite infestation, highlighting the role in plant defense against T. ludeni and T. urticae.