Abstract

Among numerous other factors, host-plant volatiles may affect selection of food plants by herbivorous insects. The blue willow leaf beetle, Phratora vulgatissima (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is known to differentiate between willow species and genotypes. However, so far no knowledge is available on the physiological abilities of this leaf beetle to respond to willow volatiles. In this study, we recorded electroantennograms of male and female P. vulgatissima to volatiles from two Salix viminalis L. (Salicaceae) genotypes: Jorr and 78021. The headspace of these genotypes were analysed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to known green leaf volatiles (GLV), several terpenoid components were found. Both males and females of P. vulgatissima showed strong responses to the GLVs (Z)-3-hexenol and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and moderate responses to (E)-ocimene and beta-caryophyllene. Females, but not males, also responded to R-(+)-limonene. This work represents a further step to identify substances relevant for the orientation of P. vulgatissima to host plants

Published in

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
2007, volume: 125, number: 2, pages: 157-164
Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING

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