title: Isoprene emissions influence herbivore feeding decisions.
abstract: Isoprene (C(5)H(8), 2-methyl 1,3-butadiene) is synthesized and emitted by many, but not all, plants. Unlike other related volatile organic compounds (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), isoprene has not been shown to mediate plant-herbivore interactions. Here, for the first time, we show, in feeding choice tests using isoprene-emitting transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun) and non-emitting azygous control plants, that isoprene deters Manduca sexta caterpillars from feeding. This avoidance behaviour was confirmed using an artificial (isoprene-emitting and non-emitting control) diet. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that isoprene can activate feeding avoidance behaviour in this system with a dose-response effect on caterpillar behaviour and an isoprene emission threshold level of <6 nmol m(-2) s(-1).
authors.affiliation: Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
authors.forename: Jullada
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laothawornkitkul
authors.forename: Nigel D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Claudia E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Vickers
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Possell
authors.forename: Jane E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Mullineaux
authors.forename: C Nicholas
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Hewitt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002070:Butadienes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005518:Food Preferences; D045782:Hemiterpenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D018402:Manduca / Q000502:physiology*; D010420:Pentanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000737:chemistry; D014026:Nicotiana / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D002070:Butadienes; D045782:Hemiterpenes; D010420:Pentanes; C005059:isoprene