Comparative Pistacia vera leaf proteomics in response to herbivory of the common pistachio psylla (Agonoscena pistaciae)

Plants have evolved diverse mechanisms to cope with damages caused by insect herbivores. Proteomics can greatly contribute to the understanding of plant changes in response to herbivory. Here, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used in a comparative proteomics approach to survey responses of pistachio seedlings to herbivory of the nymphal stages of the common pistachio psylla. Protein spots (~ 360) were reproducibly detected on each gel that led to the identification of 24 differentially expressed proteins via nano liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). The identified proteins were involved in photosynthesis, glycolysis, signaling, protein folding, homeostasis, apoptotic processes, and stress response. Pyrophosphatase 6, controlled tumor protein, ferritin1, succinate dehydrogenase 1–1 were the proteins reported for the first time in response to herbivory. It seems that increased growth rate is a major strategy against herbivory stress of the psylla. The results of this study provide valuable information for understanding plants—herbivores interaction.