Adaptation of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), to resistant rice varieties Jedeliza B. Ferrater Promotor Prof.dr Marcel Dicke Professor of Entomology Wageningen University Co-promoters Dr Finbarr G. Horgan Senior Scientist International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines Dr Peter W. de Jong Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Entomology Wageningen University Other members Prof. Dr Jaap Bakker, Wageningen University Dr Ben Vosman, Plant Research International, Wageningen Dr Bart A. Pannebakker, Wageningen University Dr Orlando M.B. de Ponti, Wageningen This research was conducted under the auspices of the C.T de Wit Graduate School for Production Ecology and Resource Conservation. Adaptation of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), to resistant rice varieties Jedeliza B. Ferrater Thesis Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of doctor at Wageningen University by the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. Dr A.P.J. Mol in the presence of the Thesis Committee appointed by the Academic Board to be defended in public on Wednesday 2 December 2015 at 11a.m. in the Aula Jedeliza B. Ferrater Adaptation of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), to resistant rice varieties 200 pages PhD thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2015) With references, with summary in English ISBN 978-94-6257-559-2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It has been said that it‘s not the destination, but the journey that matters. This thesis is much like a journey with unexpected circumstances encountered along the way. Overall, my memories captured more the nice view and I have no regrets of passing some bumps along the way because these bumps have shaped my character and prepared myself to deal with the future. The last five years were the best years of my life and I would not trade the experiences for anything else. I would like to convey my grateful appreciation to the following whose priceless contribution, whose impact in complex and simple ways, made the journey memorable and helped me reach my destination: Dr. Finbarr G. Horgan, who has built the road and the rest is history! Who was there from the beginning (scholarship and university application) to the end (thesis writing) and defense preparation. For always pushing me beyond my previous capacity and always reminding me to be perfect in what I do especially in writing. For always encouraging me to assess critically what I read and hear, to formulate hypotheses correctly, to lay out and conduct statistically valid experiments and to pursue the mechanisms of nature instead of purely describing and seeking for patterns. How I wish I had met him earlier in my career, I could have learned a lot more. I will spend the rest of my life with a grateful heart for all he has done for my growth as a researcher. He has also graced the PhD years with meaningful and funny conversations that influenced my thinking and defined my philosphy in life. I couldn‘t thank him enough. Prof. Dr Marcel Dicke, for the brilliant scrutiny of the manuscripts including some concepts and details often overlooked by others, from the very start up to its polished final form. For bringing out the maximum potential of everyone, for being an epitome of hardwork, an icon in the efficient use of time and for showing that life devoted to excellent science means not just advancing his own but also improving other people‘s lives. And most importantly, for changing the direction of my future by opening some highways of opportunities. Thank you so much for the trust and confidence in me. Dr. Peter W. de Jong, who was the reason why I chose Wageningen University to pursue the PhD. As I scoured through my shortlist of excellent European university websites, his approachable and smiling photo made me feel welcome. During my stay at the university, he made me feel at home too. However, his remarkable take away message when I begun writing at the university: ―Publication is just a name it‘s not equivalent to greatness, the most important thing is to deal harmoniously with other people‖ left a mark which served as my guiding light and kept me grounded. Aside from this, for the fun emails and skype conversations from Holland that intercallated the serious discussion of my manuscript. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), for changing me for the better. I joined IRRI many years ago as a timid, low self-esteemed, aloof, awkward person. But the diversity of opinion, down-to-earth culture and the freedom to showcase one‘s creativity has encouraged trust to self and in one‘s abilities. IRRI has invested so much in capacity building of its young scientists which prepares them to embark on bigger roles in the future, a legacy that will last a lifetime. Global Rice Science Scholarship through DuPont Pioneer Scientific Know-how and Exchange Program (SKEP), which provided the financial assistance that made the pursuit of this PhD possible and for funding countless trainings and seminars that built up my capacity as a researcher and prepared me to be an independent scientist in the future. Reyuel Quintana, Rodante Abas, Vincent Vertudez, Raymond Medallon, Marol Recide and Jhenerose Geronda, for the physical assistance in the laboratory, in the greenhouse and for the friendships which sprung from always working together. Alberto Naredo, through his extensive experience has patiently shared to me his knowledge in the brown planthopper life history and handling, techniques that are not even written in books. The jokes, laughter and fun interlaced in everyday greenhouse life were truly memorable. Bong Villareal and Jo Catindig, my bestfriends at IRRI who were not afraid to immediately correct my mistakes but readily praise my achievements. For the enumerable assistance in demonstrating entomology concepts that are comprehensive enough for me who came from a non-entomology background. For teaching me generously the most efficient way to do things in the laboratory and greenhouse, saving me some time and effort to do trial and error to figure out how to do things. Above all, the overflowing friendship and the sympathy that are readily available in whatever I go through. I cannot imagine the future without you! Carmencita C. Bernal, my ―mom‖ at IRRI. The witty and funny remarks out of nowhere are always my anti-depressants. The infinite technical consultations and the fun travels and escapades together. For instilling in me that life is too short, so we should make the most out of every moment of our existence. Ma. Liberty P. Almazan, one of the sharpest persons I have encountered. A source of calm amid the storm of conducting greenhouse set-ups. My presentation editor before any talk or conference. Mr. Gerard Pesch, for the countless assistance during my stay at the Laboratory of Entomology. For providing my needs during my first week at Wageningen. It did not take me long to adjust to the new country because he was a go-to man for information and advice. And most of all, for the tremendous help in finding and providing articles I needed during the writing of the thesis. To Dr. Joop, Cindy, Dani, Tila, Patrick, Angelique and the rest of the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen who are my friends and mentors, who always made an effort for me to feel at ease and at home in a foreign country. To Fay Haverkort, who assisted me during the conduct of a labor-intensive study in the Philippines. She was a good Dutch student who worked hard while enjoying what the Philippines has to offer. She sustained her friendship to me by frequently keeping in touch. Eula Oreiro, Charle Patrick Garcia, Marivic Ordinario, Errol Rico, Danilo Vasquez, Suja Thanga, Vu Quhyn, ArizaArrida, Angelee Fame Ramal, James Villegas, Minda Fernandez, Fanny Garcia, Ellen Silab, Pau Capistrano, Berlaine Quime, Jonas Padilla, Boyet Cura, Nancy Castilla, Nonnie Bunyi, Genelou Atienza, Cecille Salonga, Santi Culala and Ellen Genil for the countless favors and fun shared at all times at IRRI. Jolly, Tess, Jocelyn, Analyn, Ires Anne, Lorvi, Bing, Cherry and Mavi, my bestfriends in the Philippines outside of IRRI who are my constant source of reminder that human relations can be plainly simple when others regard it as complicated. Mr. & Mrs. Johan and Josephine Aperloo, Diana, Malou, Lorena, Agnes, Amy, Jade, Hyacinth, Ruby, Grace and Roberta, my friends in Holland and Europe. Never did I experience homesickness because I have these friends providing unparalleled hospitality, fun and emotional support. To my superiors and colleagues at East-West Seed who were considerate enough to allow me to finish this thesis in between work hours and who gave utmost support along the way. To Ray, whose untimely demise in 2009 did not allow him to finish his PhD. As promised, I will complete a thesis (that he never had). His profound admiration, respect and unconditional love for me have allowed me to bounce back from any difficult circumstances because I know that I am completing a thesis not just for myself but for him too. I will cherish the memories, the love, the lessons learned. To my siblings, my avid fans, whose trust and respect inspired me to expand my borders and experiences so that I have something new stories to tell the family and to Aniceto and Ofelia, my brother and sister, who did not live long to see our family, but constantly remembered for the time well-spent. Sofia, Rhealyn and Rey II, my nieces and nephew, whose voices and stories never failed to fascinate and amaze me. To Him... my soulmate. Whose genuine goodness and love inspires me to strive to be a better person each day.