title: L-dopa in legume seeds: a chemical barrier to insect attack.
abstract: Seeds of the genus Mucuna display both a remarkable immunity to attack by seed-eating insects and an unustially high concentration of free L-dopa. When seed powders or pure L-dopa were incorporated into artificial diets and fed to southern armyworm larvae, mortality increased, and abnormal pupae and adults resulted. At higher concentrations L-dopa acted as a feeding repellent.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Rehr
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Janzen
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Feeny