Abstract
Leaf trichomes play well-established roles in defense against insect herbivores, both as a physical barrier that impedes herbivore movement and by mediating chemical defenses. However, little work has examined how different trichome types influence herbivory by herbivores at different stages of development. We examined whether caterpillar instar and trichome type (glandular or non-glandular) affected the ability of the specialist herbivore caterpillar Manduca sexta to initiate feeding on 11 Solanaceous species exhibiting variation in the density and type of leaf trichomes. Our results suggest that non-glandular trichomes are far more effective than glandular trichomes in deterring the initiation of feeding by first- and second-instar caterpillars. Meanwhile, neither glandular nor non-glandular trichomes significantly affected the ability of third-instar caterpillars to commence feeding. These findings suggest that while non-glandular trichomes deter feeding initiation by early instar caterpillars, the contribution of both trichomes on later instars may depend on effects after feeding initiation. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000289903Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Communicative & Integrative BiologyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Taylor & FrancisSubject
Glandular trichomes; larval instar; Manduca sexta; non-glandular trichomes; SolanaceaeOrganisational unit
03970 - De Moraes, Consuelo / De Moraes, Consuelo
03909 - Levine, Jonathan M. (ehemalig) / Levine, Jonathan M. (former)
More
Show all metadata