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10:28
Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling
Published on: December 18, 2011
Isoprene emissions influence herbivore feeding decisions
Jullada Laothawornkitkul1, Nigel D Paul, Claudia E Vickers
1Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Isoprene, a plant-emitted compound, deters caterpillars from feeding. This discovery reveals a new role for isoprene in plant-herbivore interactions, impacting plant defense strategies.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Chemical Ecology
- Insect Behavior
Background:
- Isoprene (C5H8) is a volatile organic compound emitted by many plants.
- Unlike other plant volatiles, isoprene's role in plant-herbivore interactions was previously unknown.
- This study investigates isoprene's potential to mediate plant defense against herbivores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if isoprene deters herbivore feeding.
- To investigate the dose-response effect of isoprene on herbivore behavior.
- To establish an emission threshold for isoprene's deterrent effect.
Main Methods:
- Feeding choice tests using isoprene-emitting transgenic tobacco plants and non-emitting controls.
- Feeding trials with artificial diets emitting or not emitting isoprene.
- In vivo and in vitro experiments to confirm isoprene's effect on behavior.
Main Results:
- Isoprene-emitting plants and diets significantly deterred feeding by Manduca sexta caterpillars.
- A dose-response relationship was observed between isoprene levels and caterpillar avoidance.
- An isoprene emission threshold of <6 nmol m(-2) s(-1) was identified for this deterrent effect.
Conclusions:
- Isoprene acts as a feeding deterrent for Manduca sexta caterpillars.
- This finding establishes a novel role for isoprene in plant defense mechanisms.
- Isoprene's emission threshold provides a quantifiable measure for its ecological impact.
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