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

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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.

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