ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Phenolics
;
Leaf-damage
;
Spodoptera
;
Feeding-preference
;
Belula
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary 1. The leaves of Betula pendula Roth trees were damaged artificially, or by insect-grazing. Both induced an increase in phenolic levels in damaged leaves, larger in the case of insect attack.-2. Some of the damaged trees were sprayed with an inhibitor of phenolic biosynthesis, (aminoxy) acetic acid, which led to a reduction in phenolic levels in both undamaged and damaged leaves. Hence both the effects of damage per se and damage-induced changes in foliage phenolic levels on insect feeding preference could be examined using this technique.-3. Herbivore feeding preferences were assessed in the laboratory by comparing damaged and undamaged leaves, with or without phenolic inhibition, using caterpillars of a natural birch feeder, Apocheima pilosaria D. & S. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and a non-birch feeder, Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neither species showed any significant preferences and appeared indifferent to damage, irrespective of whether the trees had their damage-induced phenolic synthesis blocked.-4. The implications of these results for “induced defense” theory are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00379602
Permalink
