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Jasmonate in lepidopteran eggs and neonates
John F Tooker1, Consuelo M De Moraes
1Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. tooker@psu.edu
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|September 27, 2005
Summary
Jasmonic acid (JA), a plant defense hormone, was found in the eggs and young of nine moth and butterfly species. This suggests JA may have a previously unknown role in insects.
Area of Science:
- Plant science
- Entomology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Jasmonic acid (JA) is a crucial phytohormone mediating plant defenses against herbivores and pathogens.
- While JA is known to be ingested by insects, its presence and role within insect tissues are largely unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and levels of jasmonic acid (JA) in the eggs and neonates of various lepidopteran species.
- To explore potential novel functions of JA in insect biology.
Main Methods:
- Screening of nine lepidopteran species across four superfamilies and five families for the presence of JA.
- Quantification of JA concentrations in eggs and neonates using analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- Jasmonic acid (JA) was detected in eggs and neonates of all screened lepidopteran species.
- JA concentrations in some insect species were significantly higher than those typically found in plants.
- Significant variations in JA levels were observed among species and between developmental stages (eggs vs. neonates).
Conclusions:
- The widespread presence of JA in lepidopteran eggs and neonates suggests an endogenous role for this phytohormone in insects.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific functions of JA within insect physiology and development.