Biochemical composition of leaf surfaces and influence on plant resistance studies | [Composition chimique de la surface des feuilles et son influence dans les études de la résistance des plantes]
1999
Derridj, S. ((Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Versailles (France). Centre de Versailles Grignon, Unité de Phytopharmacie et des Médiateurs Chimiques))
Chemicals present on the leaf surfaces of plants provide information for insects and influence their behaviour. Plant evaluation by contact and its acceptance are the crucial steps prior to ovipositing or injuring the plant by test-biting. Water soluble primary and secondary metabolites and mineral cations occur on the leaf surface. They provide the insect with information concerning the plant and leaf sites, plant physiology, and plant specificity. Their presence is the result of a dynamic equilibrium between the leaf tissues and the leaf surface. Leaf surface carbohydrates promote oviposition of a generalist (Ostrinia nubilalis) and a specialist (Cydia pomonella) Lepidoptera. After alighting, both insects sample the leaf surface with the ovipositor. Carbohydrate, malic acid and cations are perceived by tarsal and ovipositor sensillae of O. nubilalis. Glucosinolates present on the leaf surface at several positions are negatively correlated with O. nubilalis oviposition. These results suggest new ways of obtaining plant resistances, based on changing contact cues for host plant selection
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