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Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
Temperature as a modifier of plant-herbivore interaction
Shiyong Yang1, Teija Ruuhola, Sanna Haviola
1Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Temperature influences insect growth and plant defenses. Lower temperatures may benefit Lepidopteran larvae like Epirrita autumnata by reducing mountain birch polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, aiding their survival.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Temperature significantly impacts insect herbivore physiology and development.
- Plant defense mechanisms, such as enzymes, can be indirectly affected by environmental factors like temperature.
- Mountain birch (Betula pubescens) possesses defensive enzymes, including polyphenoloxidases (PPOs), which may respond to herbivory and temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of temperature and leaf wounding on the growth and development of the Lepidopteran moth Epirrita autumnata.
- To examine the activity of mountain birch polyphenoloxidase (PPO) enzymes in response to temperature and wounding.
- To elucidate the relationship between temperature, plant defense responses, and insect herbivore performance.
Main Methods:
- Larval survival and developmental rates of Epirrita autumnata were monitored at different temperatures.
- Mountain birch leaf samples were subjected to wounding treatments at controlled temperatures (+12°C and +25°C).
- Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity in birch leaves was measured following wounding and at different temperatures.
Main Results:
- Optimal temperature for Epirrita autumnata early instars was 15-20°C.
- Wounding decreased PPO activity at 12°C (induced amelioration) but increased it at 25°C (induced resistance).
- Larval growth was significantly reduced on wounded leaves at both temperatures, with effects observed within 12 hours, suggesting a rapid, transcription- and translation-independent defense.
Conclusions:
- Temperature modulates the effectiveness of plant defenses against insect herbivores.
- Low temperatures may enhance Lepidopteran herbivore success by reducing host plant defensive enzyme activity.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a potential mediator of the observed increase in PPO activity and decrease in larval growth upon wounding.
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