Fall armyworm gut bacteria 16S influenced by different maize lines

We used multiple maize genotypes and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae as models to parse roles of plant genotypes, sources of microbiota, and the host gut environment in structuring bacterial communities. We performed a series of experiments using axenic larvae that received a mixed microbial community prepared from frass from larvae that were consuming field-grown maize. The new larval recipients were then provided different maize genotypes that were gamma-irradiated to minimize bacteria coming from the plant during feeding. Our results document the role of microbial sources and plant genotypes in contributing to variation in gut bacterial communities in herbivorous larvae.