Effects of a heat wave event on the chemical ecology of species interactions in the potato agroecosystem

Heat waves, brief periods of unusually high temperatures, are increasing in frequency and intensity globally. Such extreme weather events can alter plant chemistry, disrupting species interactions that contribute to pest suppression or increase their performance. Yet, most heat wave studies focus on pairwise interactions, leaving us with a poor understanding of how complex agroecosystems respond to temperature extremes. We addressed this knowledge gap by simulating an experimental heat wave in the field on potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) and the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in the presence or absence of their mutualistic microbial symbionts and another pest, the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). Here we report changes in CPB performance and leaf chemistry, specifically, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and glycoalkaloids content in host plants.
, Experimental design
To assess the effect of a heat wave event on pest performance and plant chemistry in different ecological contexts, we conducted a field experiment during the 2022 growing season at the Michigan State University Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) (Hickory Corners, MI). We generated a 4-day heat wave event on potato plants exposed to damage by CPB larvae with or without microbial symbionts and/or simultaneous damage by potato aphids.
CPB colony
All larvae were obtained from a colony maintained at the KBS greenhouse facilities with adults sourced from the Montcalm Research Station, MI. We obtained CPB without symbiotic bacteria by splitting the colony into separate cages with antibiotic-free and antibiotic-treated potato plants. Antibiotic-treated plants were sprayed thoroughly with an antibiotic solution consisting of 5 % Tetracycline, 5 % Neomicine, and 2.5 % Streptomycine in DI water.
Field experiment
We planted seed potatoes individually within 1 m2 plots in mid-May...., ---

title: \"Heat wave impact on the chemical ecology of multi-species interactions
in an agroecosystem\"
author: \"Nayeli Carvajal\"
date: \"2025-10-6\"
output: html_document
editor_options:
markdown:
wrap: 72
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```{r
knitr::opts_chunk$set(echo = FALSE)
```

# Heat wave impact on the chemical ecology of multi-species interactions in an agroecosystem

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pzgmsbd1m](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pzgmsbd1m)

# GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Dataset: “Heat wave impact on the chemical ecology of multi-species
interactions in an agroecosystem\"
2. Author Information

A. Person(s) responsible for collecting the data Name:

Nayeli Carvajal, Institution: Michigan State University Address: 288 Farm
Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824 Email:
[[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]){.email}

B. Principal Investigator Name:

William Wetzel Institution: Montana State University Address: Land
Resources & Environmental Sciences, Bozeman, MT USA. Email:...,