Leaf Size Determines Damage- and Herbivore-Induced Volatile Emissions in Maize

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Ecology
• Chemical Ecology

Background:

• Plant volatiles mediate ecological interactions.
• Damage timing and location influence volatile emissions.
• Leaf traits and herbivore behavior effects on volatiles are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate how leaf characteristics and herbivore feeding shape plant volatile emissions in maize.
• Determine the role of leaf size in volatile release.
• Assess herbivore feeding preferences and their link to volatile patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a high-throughput volatile profiling system with high temporal resolution.
• Examined mechanical damage and herbivore feeding on different maize leaves.
• Tested feeding patterns of Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis.

Main Results:

• Maize seedlings emit more volatiles when larger leaves are damaged.
• Larger leaves showed higher local volatile emissions, driving plant-level emissions.
• Both herbivore species preferentially fed on larger leaves, increasing volatile output.

Conclusions:

• Leaf size is a key factor in plant volatile emission patterns.
• Herbivore feeding preferences can synchronize with plant volatile responses.
• Findings offer insights into plant-environment interactions mediated by volatiles.