Identification of Saliva Proteins of the Spider Mite Tetranychus evansi by Transcriptome and LC–MS/MS Analyses

Abstract The spider mite Tetranychus evansi has a remarkable ability to suppress and manipulate plant defenses, which makes it an ideal model to investigate plant–herbivores interactions. In this study, a de novo assembly of the transcriptome of T. evansi is performed and the proteins in its secreted saliva by LC–MS/MS are characterized. A total of 29 365 unigenes are assembled and 136 saliva proteins are identified. Comparative analysis of the saliva proteins in T. evansi , T. truncatus , and T. urticae shows that 64 protein groups are shared by at least two Tetranychus species, and 52 protein groups are specifically identified in T. evansi . In addition, some saliva proteins are common in arthropod species, while others are species‐specific. These results will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which T. evansi modulates plant defenses.