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Wiley InterScience

New Phytologist

New Phytologist

Volume 178 Issue 3, Pages 657 - 671

Published Online: 5 Mar 2008

Journal compilation © 2010 New Phytologist Trust



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Gall insects can avoid and alter indirect plant defenses
John F. Tooker 1 , Jason R. Rohr 1 , Warren G. Abrahamson 2 and Consuelo M. De Moraes 1
  1 Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-3508, USA;   2 Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
Author for correspondence:
John F. Tooker
Tel: +1 814 865 1895
Fax:+1 814 865 3048
Email: tooker@psu.edu
Copyright Journal compilation © 2008 New Phytologist Trust
KEYWORDS
Eurosta • gall • Gnorimoschema • herbivory • induced responses • Solidago altissima • volatile response

New Phytologist (2008) 178: 657–671

© The Authors (2008). Journal compilation ©New Phytologist (2008)
doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02392.x

ABSTRACT

  • • 

    Parasitic species can dramatically alter host traits. Some of these parasite-induced changes can be considered adaptive manipulations that benefit the parasites. Gall-inducing insects are parasites well known for their ability to alter host-plant morphology and physiology, including the distribution of plant defensive compounds. Here it was investigated whether gall-inducing species alter indirect plant defenses, involving the release of volatile compounds that are attractive to foraging natural enemies.

  • • 

    Using field and factorial laboratory experiments, volatile production by goldenrod (Solidago altissima) plants was examined in response to attack by two gall-inducing species, the tephritid fly Eurosta solidaginis and the gelechiid moth Gnorimoschema gallaesolidaginis, as well as the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius, and the generalist caterpillar Heliothis virescens.

  • • 

    Heliothis virescens elicited strong indirect defensive responses from S. altissima, but the gall-inducing species and spittlebugs did not. More significantly, infestation by E. solidaginis appeared to suppress volatile responses to subsequent attack by the generalist caterpillar.

  • • 

    The extensive control that E. solidaginis apparently exerts over host-plant defense responses may reduce the predation risk for the gall inducer and the subsequent herbivore, and could influence community-level dynamics, including the distribution of herbivorous insect species associated with S. altissima parasitized by E. solidaginis.


Received: 29 October 2007
Accepted: 8 January 2008

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02392.x About DOI

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