Parasites impose strong selection on their hosts, but the level of resistance evolved may be constrained by the availability of resources. However, studies identifying the genomic basis of such resource mediated selection are rare, particularly in non-model organisms. Here, we investigated the role of nutrition in the evolution of resistance to a DNA virus (PiGV), and associated trade-offs, in a lepidopteran pest species (Plodia interpunctella). Through selection experiments and whole genome sequencing we identify putative mechanisms of resistance that depend on the nutritional environment during selection. We find that the evolution of resistance is specific to diet, with adaptation to a low nutrition diet constraining resistance when challenged with the pathogen on a high nutrition diet. Resistance in a low nutrition environment is negatively correlated with growth rate, consistent with an established trade-off between immunity and development. Whole genome resequencing of the host shows that resistance mechanisms are highly polygenic and suggests evidence for trade-offs at the genetic level. Critically when populations evolve in high resource conditions, resistance is linked to metabolic and immune pathways, however it is more closely associated with cytoskeleton organisation when selected under low nutrition. Our results emphasise the importance of resources on the evolution of resistance.

The genomic basis of evolved virus resistance is dependent on environmental resources