Isoprene emissions influence herbivore feeding decisions.
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).
Laothawornkitkul
Jullada
J
Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
Paul
Nigel D
ND
Vickers
Claudia E
CE
Possell
Malcolm
M
Taylor
Jane E
JE
Mullineaux
Philip M
PM
Hewitt
C Nicholas
CN
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
D002070:Butadienes; D045782:Hemiterpenes; D010420:Pentanes; C005059:isoprene