Plant Flavonoid Content Modified by Domestication

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Science
• Entomology

Background:

• Plant domestication often leads to reduced chemical defenses, increasing vulnerability to pests.
• Murtilla (Ugni molinae) is a plant species where domestication effects on chemical traits and pest resistance are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how domestication affects flavonoid content in murtilla (Ugni molinae).
• To assess the impact of these changes on the preference and feeding behavior of Chilesia rudis larvae.
• To evaluate alterations in the associated insect community and diversity.

Main Methods:

• Quantified major defensive flavonols and isoflavonoids in wild and cultivated U. molinae using high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Conducted feeding assays with Chilesia rudis larvae on both wild and cultivated plant material.
• Evaluated insect community composition and diversity indices on different plant types.

Main Results:

• Cultivated murtilla plants exhibited higher insect numbers and damage.
• Flavonol concentrations were significantly higher in wild U. molinae leaves compared to cultivated ones.
• Chilesia rudis larvae showed a clear preference for consuming cultivated murtilla leaves over wild leaves.

Conclusions:

• Domestication of U. molinae results in decreased leaf flavonoid content, enhancing susceptibility to pests like Chilesia rudis.
• Reduced chemical defenses in cultivated plants alter herbivore preference and support larger, more diverse insect communities.