斜纹夜蛾幼虫诱导的油菜抗虫性及其与茉莉酸信号途径的关系

植物在受植食性昆虫为害时能产生防御反应,并且植物的茉莉酸信号转导途径在这一过程中发挥着重要作用。然而, 迄今为止对于油菜Brassica campestris的诱导防御反应很少有研究报道。为此, 本实验通过测定油菜内茉莉酸和胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量研究了油菜在斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura幼虫为害后的抗虫性和胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量的变化,并分析这些变化在油菜诱导抗虫性与茉莉酸信号转导途径中的关系。结果表明：斜纹夜蛾幼虫取食能导致油菜体内茉莉酸和胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量系统性上升,外用茉莉酸甲酯处理也能系统性增加油菜的胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量,并且取食茉莉酸甲酯处理或斜纹夜蛾幼虫取食过的叶片能显著降低斜纹夜蛾幼虫的体重,两者的体重分别为对照植株上的67.5%和60.2%。机械损伤加斜纹夜蛾幼虫口腔分泌物处理能引起处理叶中茉莉酸和胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量的增加,但其诱导效果与机械损伤加水没有显著差异,并且两者明显低于虫害的诱导效果,两种处理的茉莉酸和胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量分别为虫害诱导的68.4%和24.4%及62.9%和36.9%;多次连续机械损伤的诱导效果与一次损伤的没有明显差异。结果说明斜纹夜蛾幼虫诱导的油菜抗虫性与茉莉酸信号转导途径有关,而其激活油菜抗虫反应的机理则可能与其特定的取食行为相关。     

不同方式诱导植物抗性对甜菜夜蛾幼虫及其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂发育表现的影响

【目的】明确诱导植物抗性对植食性昆虫甜菜夜蛾 Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) 及内寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂 Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) 生长发育的影响。【方法】采用取食损伤、机械损伤及外源喷施3种浓度 (0.01, 0.1和1 mmol/L) 茉莉酸甲酯 (MeJA) 3种方式来诱导菜薹抗性,观察甜菜夜蛾初孵幼虫及其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂的发育表现。【结果】取食取食损伤和茉莉酸甲酯处理的菜薹后,甜菜夜蛾幼虫存活率显著降低,茉莉酸甲酯浓度与幼虫存活呈负相关; 取食0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹后,甜菜夜蛾幼虫体重显著低于清水对照。甜菜夜蛾取食取食损伤和0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹,其寄生蜂斑痣悬茧蜂幼虫的死亡率显著增加,同时结茧率显著降低;0.1 mmol/L MeJA处理的菜薹使成蜂体重显著低于对照。不同处理间斑痣悬茧蜂的卵巢发育无明显差异,卵巢由8~10根卵巢管组成,羽化24 h后成熟卵数量为7~10个,成熟卵的长度和宽度分别为350和78 μm。【结论】结果说明,取食损伤和茉莉酸甲酯处理诱导的菜薹反应会影响甜菜夜蛾的存活和大小,进而抑制斑痣悬茧蜂生长。     

B型烟粉虱为害烟草后对斜纹夜蛾成虫产卵和幼虫取食行为的影响

为明确外来入侵害虫B型烟粉虱取食诱导的烟草防御反应对斜纹夜蛾的影响,探讨其与斜纹夜蛾的种间竞争机制,在室内条件下研究了B型烟粉虱取食后的烟草对斜纹夜蛾成虫产卵选择、幼虫取食选择、拒食作用和其他取食行为指标的影响.结果表明:斜纹夜蛾成虫在B型烟粉虱为害后的植株上的落卵量较对照植株降低了40.9%.B型烟粉虱为害的虫体叶对斜纹夜蛾初孵化幼虫具有明显的驱避作用,而中间叶和系统白脉叶有一定的吸引作用,心叶不影响幼虫对寄主的选择性.B型烟粉虱为害叶片对斜纹夜蛾幼虫具有显著的拒食作用,虫体叶拒食作用明显大于系统白脉叶片.与对照相比,B型烟粉虱为害的虫体叶和系统白脉叶降低了斜纹夜蛾幼虫单位时间取食次数或取食比例,虫体叶还显著延长了幼虫开始取食时间,总取食面积显著减少.表明B型烟粉虱为害烟草对斜纹夜蛾成虫产卵和幼虫取食行为均产生不利影响.研究结果对了解烟田害虫种群变动规律和指导害虫治理具有较大意义.     

不同昆虫取食对烟草信号分子和防御酶的影响

以烟草Nicotiana tabacum L.品种'MS K326'为研究材料,采用生化分析法研究了 3种昆虫取食对烟草防御信号分子含量和防御酶活性的影响.结果显示:棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera Hübner取食后,烟叶中的JA、NO含量分别在48 h、24 h时达到最高,为对照的1.1倍和1.35倍,斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura Fabricius和烟蚜Myzus persicae Sulzer取食后,烟叶中的JA、NO含量分别较对照降低7.1％、33.33％和10.38％、60％;棉铃虫和斜纹夜蛾取食后H2S含量均在6 h达到最高,分别较对照增加25.36％和73.7％,烟蚜取食后H2S含量则在48 h时达到峰值,较对照增加77.03％.棉铃虫取食下烟叶内PAL、PPO和POD均呈先降低后增加的波动性变化,分别在72 h、48 h和48 h时较对照显著升高;斜纹夜蛾取食后,烟叶内PAL和POD与棉铃虫取食存在相似变化趋势,分别在72 h和24 h时升至峰值,PPO活性呈持续升高趋势,12 h时达到最高;棉铃虫或斜纹夜蛾取食后,烟叶内LOX活性受到抑制,分别在72 h和48 h时降至最低;烟蚜取食后,烟叶内PAL活性呈先降低后增加的波动性变化,仅在48 h时较对照显著升高,LOX、PPO和POD则均呈先升高后降低的波动趋势,分别在6h、6 h和12 h时较对照显著升高.综上说明,昆虫取食诱导烟株激活体内生理防御机制差异与昆虫的种类、取食方式及取食时间相关,该结果为烟草生产中外源诱导增强烟草抗性及与昆虫相关的化学激发子的开发提供参考.     

核黄素和接种番茄黄化曲叶病毒对番茄叶片防御酶活性的影响

以番茄品种‘1479’为材料,研究了喷施核黄素(Riboflavin)和接种番茄黄化曲叶病毒(TYLCV)对幼苗叶片中过氧化物酶(POD)、多酚氧化酶(PPO)、苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)3种防御酶活性的影响。结果显示:(1)核黄素能显著降低番茄植株的番茄黄化曲叶病毒病的病情指数,并以2 mmol/L时诱导效果最佳,诱抗效果最高可达41.91%。(2)2mmol/L核黄素处理后96h内,番茄叶片的POD、PPO和PAL活性显著高于对照。(3)接种TYLCV后,核黄素处理和接种TYLCV处理均可诱导番茄叶片中防御酶活性显著增强。研究表明,核黄素处理可诱导POD、PPO和PAL活性的系统增强与番茄对TYLCV的诱导抗性密切相关。     

害虫取食和机械损伤对菜豆不同部位叶片防御酶活性的影响

【目的】本研究旨在探究菜豆Phaseolus vulgaris植株对不同害虫危害的系统防御机制。【方法】分别以斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura、二斑叶螨Tetranychus urticae、西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis取食或昆虫针穿刺处理菜豆中部叶片6,24,48,72和96 h后,测定菜豆植株中部处理叶片以及上部和下部未处理叶片的过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性的变化。【结果】不同害虫取食后,POD,CAT和SOD活性在受害的菜豆中部叶片发生了明显变化,但不同害虫造成酶活性的变化趋势不同。与未处理的对照植株中部叶片相比,POD活性均是先升高后恢复至对照水平。POD活性在二斑叶螨取食后,于24 h达到最大值,是对照的4.6倍;POD活性在机械损伤和西花蓟马取食后在48 h达到峰值,而斜纹夜蛾取食诱导下POD活性升高最缓慢,直到72 h才达到最大值。中部叶片的CAT活性在机械损伤和3种害虫取食后变化不同,机械损伤24 h后CAT活性明显升高,而3种害虫取食后CAT活性变化较早,在6 h就明显升高,但随时间的延长,CAT活性的变化趋势不同。中部叶片SOD活性在不同处理下变化较大,在机械损伤诱导下仅在96 h明显升高,而二斑叶螨取食24 h以后均明显升高;但斜纹夜蛾及西花蓟马取食后,SOD活性在72 h时受到明显的抑制。在菜豆植株的上部和下部未受害叶片中,3种害虫取食和机械损伤处理后,以上3种酶的活性也发生了明显变化,POD活性在上部未受害叶片不同处理96 h时被抑制,而在下部叶片不同处理下均被激发,但诱导程度不同。机械损伤、斜纹夜蛾、二斑叶螨和西花蓟马处理后,菜豆植株上部和下部未受害叶片CAT活性都分别在24,6,6和24 h被明显诱导。上部和下部未受害叶片SOD活性在机械损伤96 h,斜纹夜蛾和二斑叶螨取食72 h后,均被明显激发;但西花蓟马取食后,SOD活性在48 h和72 h明显被抑制。【结论】斜纹夜蛾、二斑叶螨和西花蓟马取食均能显著诱导菜豆植株受害叶和未受害叶防御酶活性的变化,即引起菜豆植株的系统防御反应,但3种害虫诱导的防御酶活性变化程度不同,表明植物防御反应的时空效应与害虫种类有关。     

外源茉莉酸诱导的青杨叶片保护性酶活性变化及其对舞毒蛾幼虫生长发育的影响

为探讨外源茉莉酸对青杨Populus cathayana的诱导抗性及其对舞毒蛾Lymantria dispar的影响, 室内对青杨扦插苗喷施不同浓度的茉莉酸（对照为0.17%丙酮）, 分别在喷施后1, 5和10 d采集叶片分析其保护性酶活性的变化, 并接舞毒蛾幼虫于青杨苗木上观测其长发育情况。结果表明： 0.1 和0.001 mmol/L两种浓度的茉莉酸（JA）处理均使青杨叶过氧化物酶（POD）、 多酚氧化酶（PPO）、 苯丙氨酸解氨酶（PAL）、 胰凝乳蛋白酶抑制剂（CI）和胰蛋白酶抑制剂（TI）活性较对照增加(P<0.05)。取食茉莉酸诱导的青杨苗木后, 舞毒蛾幼虫的发育历期延长, 体重降低。0.1 mmol/L茉莉酸诱导的青杨苗木5 d后接虫, 使舞毒蛾幼虫的发育历期显著延长, 较对照长8 d; 接虫21 d后称重时, 取食茉莉酸诱导的青杨叶片的幼虫体重较对照组降低了50%~100%, 该结果说明外源茉莉酸诱导青杨产生了对舞毒蛾明显的抗虫性。     

根结线虫对斜纹夜蛾幼虫生长及营养利用随龄期变化的研究

【目的】为明确南方根结线虫Meloidogyne incognita侵染对斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura幼虫的影响是否因幼虫的龄期而异。【方法】采用被南方根结线虫侵染和未被侵染的乌桕叶片饲喂斜纹夜蛾幼虫,并测定不同龄期幼虫的生长（幼虫体重、发育历期、相对生长率）和营养利用（取食量、近似消化率、食物转化率）情况。【结果】随着幼虫龄期的增加,斜纹夜蛾幼虫的取食量及发育历期呈上升趋势,幼虫体重、相对生长率和食物转化率先上升后下降,而近似消化率则先下降后上升。与饲喂未侵染南方根结线虫的乌桕叶片相比,取食线虫侵染的乌桕叶片的斜纹夜蛾2龄幼虫近似消化率（0.78±0.07）%显著增加了约30%,但斜纹夜蛾的4龄幼虫体重（0.12±0.04）g、相对生长率（0.20±0.06）g·g^(-1)·d(-1)·d^(-1)和食物转化率（0.54±0.18）%分别降低了61%、36%和73%。线虫侵染处理与龄期互作对斜纹夜蛾的发育历期和取食量无显著影响。【结论】根结线虫侵染对斜纹夜蛾幼虫生长及其营养利用的影响因龄期而异,线虫侵染处理虽显著增加了斜纹夜蛾2龄幼虫的近似消化率,但却抑制了其4龄幼虫的生长及其营养利用。     

水杨酸、乙酰水杨酸对番茄幼苗叶片中PPO和POD的诱导作用

以番茄品种改良美国908和合作906为试验材料,研究了水杨酸(SA)和乙酰水杨酸(ASA)喷雾处理6-7叶期幼苗后,叶片内多酚氧化酶(PPO)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性在120 h内的变化.结果显示:SA和ASA对2个番茄品种的适宜诱导浓度分别为1 mmol/L和1.39 mmol/L;SA和ASA对PPO活性的诱导效果无显著差异,但对POD活性的诱导效果SA极显著强于ASA;合作906的PPO活性增幅显著大于改良美国908,而POD活性增幅却显著小于改良美国908,且合作906对诱导处理反应更敏感.研究表明,SA和ASA能显著提高番茄幼苗叶片的PPO、POD活性,而酶活性变化在品种和诱导剂间有显著差异.     

斜纹夜蛾NPV对取食不同蔬菜的斜纹夜蛾幼虫的毒力差异

采用生物测定法,比较了斜纹夜蛾ＮＰＶ对取食芋叶等７科８种蔬菜的斜纹夜蛾幼虫的毒力反应差异性。结果表明ＮＰＶ对取食番茄叶的幼虫毒力最高,比取食芋叶的毒力高６．８２倍;但再经菜心饲养一代后,ＮＰＶ的毒力差异消失。     

Import of polyphenol oxidase by chloroplasts is enhanced by methyl jasmonate

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.10.3.2 or EC 1.14.18.1) takes part in the response of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) to wounding and herbivore attack, mediated by the octadecanoid wound-signaling pathway. Wounding and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induce expression of ppo genes and markedly increase the level of the enzyme. We report that pretreatment with MeJA also markedly increased the ability of isolated tomato chloroplasts to import and process PPO precursors (pPPO). Pea (Pisum sativum L.) chloroplasts showed no such response. Wounding or ethylene alone was ineffective but ethylene was synergistic with MeJA. Treatment with MeJA conferred a strong binding of pPPO, or its processing intermediate, to thylakoids and subsequent translocation into the lumen and processing to the mature protein. The effect on PPO import and translocation was evident after 8–16 h exposure to MeJA. Membrane-bound pPPO was cross-linked to a proteinaceous component of the thylakoid translocation apparatus, apparently induced by MeJA. The import and processing of other nuclear-encoded thylakoid proteins were not affected by MeJA in tomato. A 90-kDa protein that co-fractionated with thylakoids was induced along with the increase in competence for PPO import, and was identified as the proteinase-inhibitor multicystatin. It is concluded that the 90-kDa protein observed is part of the MeJA-induced defense response of tomato, not a component of the thylakoid translocation apparatus.Abbreviations Chl Chlorophyll - i and p Prefixes used to denote the intermediate and precursor forms of a protein, respectively - JA Jasmonic acid - LSU Large subunit of Rubisco - MeJA Methyl jasmonate - OE23 and OE33 23- and 33-kDa subunits of the oxygen-evolving complex of PSII - PC Plastocyanin - pPPO (iPPO, PPO) Precursor (intermediate, mature) form of polyphenol oxidase     

Differences in the susceptibility of five herbivore species and developmental stages to tomato resistance induced by methyl jasmonate treatment

We compared the susceptibility of five herbivores to tomato resistance induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. We tested for lethal effects against five herbivores (Spodoptera litura, Mamestra brassicae, Frankliniella occidentalis, Tetranychus urticae, and Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata) at various MeJA concentrations. The mortality of all five herbivores increased significantly with increasing MeJA concentration. The 25 % lethal concentration was 0.03 μM for both first-instar larvae of S. litura and third-instar larvae of M. brassicae, 0.51 μM for third-instar larvae of S. litura, 0.76 μM for adult T. urticae, 2.4 μM for first-instar larvae of F. occidentalis, and 5.7 μM for first-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Thus, the degree of susceptibility to MeJA-induced resistance of tomato was first-instar larvae of S. litura = third-instar larvae of M. brassicae > third-instar larvae of S. litura ≈ adult T. urticae > first-instar larvae of F. occidentalis > first-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Mortality of first-instar larvae of M. brassicae was >90 % at all concentrations. Mortality of fourth-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata (<7 %) was similar to that of the control at all MeJA concentrations. We also detected statistically significant weight loss of the surviving lepidopteran larvae, increased larval duration of F. occidentalis and H. vigintioctopunctata, and reduced egg production by T. urticae grown on MeJA-treated tomato, suggesting that the MeJA-induced resistance can control these herbivores, but effectiveness is different on different species and growth stage. Feeding by both M. brassicae and H. vigintioctopunctata larvae activated JA-inducible genes in tomato.     

MeJA is more effective than JA in inducing defense responses in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix olgensis</Emphasis>

The roles of jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in improving the inducible resistance of plants to biotic and abiotic stimuli/stresses have been well investigated. However, the differences in inducing effects between exogenous applications of JA and MeJA are poorly understood. In this study, we compared the inducing effects of exogenous spray applications of 0.1 mmol/L JA and MeJA onto four un-bagged lateral branches on defense response of Larix olgensis seedlings against the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). The bio-activities of three major defense enzymes (SOD, PAL, and PPO) plus two protease inhibitors (TI and CI) of the unsprayed larch seedling needles, and the growth, development and reproductive capacity of the gypsy moth were examined. The results show that partial spray of JA or MeJA on L. olgensis seedlings significantly increased the bio-activities of SOD, PAL, PPO, TI, and CI (P < 0.05), and strongly decreased the larval/pupal weights and survivals, as well as the fecundity of L. dispar that fed on the seedlings relative to the control. However, the MeJA treatment showed quicker inductive effects on SOD and PAL activities; longer and more significant effects on PPO, TI, and CI activities; better inhibitory effects on the larval/pupal weights and survivals, as well as the fecundity of L. dispar than did the JA treatment. Comparatively, MeJA in the current study showed stronger effects on inducing systemic resistance to the defoliator (L. dispar) in L. olgensis than did JA.     

Avidin expressed in transgenic tobacco leaves confers resistance to two noctuid pests,Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura

Fertile transgenic tobacco plants with leaves expressing avidin in the vacuole have been produced and shown to halt growth and cause mortality in larvae of two noctuid lepidopterans, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. Late first instar H. armigera larvae and neonate (<12-h-old) S. litura larvae placed on leaves excised from T₀ tobacco expressing avidin at 3.1–4.6M (moles/kg of fresh leaf tissue) had very poor growth over their first 8 days on the leaves, significant numbers had died by days 11 or 12 and all were dead by day 22 (H. armigera) or day 25 (S. litura). Similar results were obtained when late first instar H. armigera larvae were placed on leaves from T₁ plants expressing avidin at six different average concentrations, ranging from 3.7 to 17.3M. Two larvae on the lowest expressing leaves survived to pupation, but there was total mortality among the other groups and no relationship between avidin concentration and the effects on the larvae. Synergistic effects between avidin-expressing tobacco plants and a purified Bt toxin, Cry1Ba, were demonstrated. Late instar H. armigera larvae fed with leaves from T₂ plants expressing avidin at average concentrations of either <5.3 or >12.9M, and painted with Cry1Ba protein at a rate equivalent to an expression level of 0.5% of total leaf protein, died significantly faster than larvae given either of the two treatments alone. Larvae fed with avidin-expressing leaves painted with the protease inhibitor, aprotinin, at a rate equivalent to 1% of total leaf protein had mortality similar to those given avidin-leaves alone. There was no evidence of antagonism between these two proteins.     

Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) perform poorly on and disperse from plants exposed to methyl jasmonate

Jasmonates are plant hormones involved in wound and defense responses against herbivorous arthropods. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is used experimentally to induce defense responses in plants. In experiments outlined here we utilized a novel preference assay with unwounded plants that allowed us to study the impact of a MeJA spray on subsequent Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) proliferation and preference. Spraying plants with 100 μm MeJA 1 day before infestation caused mites to disperse within 2 days from treated impatiens [Impatiens wallerana Hook f., ‘Super Elfin Pink’ (Balsaminaceae)], pansy [Viola × wittrockiana Gams, ‘Imperial Beaconsfield’ (Violaceae)], and tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L., ‘Big Boy’ (Solanaceae)] plants. In addition, MeJA application reduced mite proliferation rate on impatiens and pansy by 60% (measured 22–34 days after infestation). Proteinase inhibitor (PI) assays suggested that MeJA‐induced PIs alone were not responsible for the observed results in pansy and impatiens but may have been a factor in tomato. Implications of these results in the context of MeJA‐induced resistance responses and possible directions for future research and application are discussed.     

Tomato variety affects larval survival but not female preference of the generalist moth Trichoplusia ni

In herbivorous insects, the choice that females make for a suitable host plant is crucial for survival of its offspring because the neonate larvae are generally not capable of moving great distances. The preference-performance hypothesis states that herbivore females will choose to oviposit on hosts on which their offspring will have better performance. In this study, we investigated whether Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) females are able to discriminate among a weedy race, a landrace, and a commercial cultivar of tomato plants, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), and how their choice affects the offspring performance. Additionally, we identified the volatile compounds and recorded the density of glandular trichomes of the tomato plants. Females did not show a preference for any of the three types of tomato plants. Females oviposited more on the adaxial surface of leaves of commercial cultivar plants than on (any surface of) leaves of weedy-race plants. The relative abundance of volatiles varied quantitatively among the three types of tomato plants. Commercial cultivar plants released a higher abundance of volatiles than weedy race and landrace plants. Weedy-race plants had a higher density of glandular trichomes types I and VI than the commercial cultivar. More neonate larvae died if fed on the weedy race and landrace plants than when reared on commercial cultivar plants. Results suggested that the higher mortality of T. ni larvae may be related to a higher density of glandular trichomes on landrace and weedy-race plants than on commercial cultivar plants, although other constitutive and induced defenses may be involved. Our results do not support the preference-performance hypothesis.     

Comparative swimming abilities of fed and starved larval largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)†

Sustained swimming abilities of fed and starved larval largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides L.) were compared in the first week after swimming initiation. Fed larvae improved to a sustained velocity of 4·0 cm/sec while starved larvae attained a velocity of only 1·5 cm/sec. Swimming behaviour for fed and starved larvae was quantified for number of moves, average distance/move, and total distance for all moves in 1 min intervals. Fed larvae were always more active than starved larvae, although real differences did not appear until the 4th day after swimming initiation.     

Plant defence induced by PGPR against Spodoptera litura in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

• The research conducted including its rationale: Spodoptera litura is the major pest of tomato causing significant reduction in tomato yield. Application of Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR) prevent use of chemical fertilizer and synthetic pesticides through enhancement of plant growth and yield and induction of systemic resistance. Present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the role of PGPR, Pseudomonas putida and Rothia sp. on the physiology and yield of tomato fruit infested with the S. litura.
• Central methods applied : The surface sterilized seeds of tomato were inoculated with 48 h culture of P. putida and Rothia sp. At 6–7 branching stage of the plant, the larvae of S. litura at 2nd in star was used to infect the tomato plant leaves.
• Key results: The S. litura infestation decreased dry weight of shoots and roots by 46% and 22%, and significant reduction was recorded in tomato fruit yield. The P. putida and Rothia sp. inoculations alleviated the adverse effects of insect infestation and resulted in 60% increase in plant biomass and 40% increase in yield over infested plants.
• Main conclusions including key points of discussion: PGPR: Defense appears to be mediated via increase in proline production, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes, stimulation in the activities of protease and polyphenol oxidases, increased contents of phenolics, protein and chlorophyll. The formulation of biopesticide involving PGPR comprise an environment friendly and sustainable approach to overcome insect infestation.

     

Jasmonate-induced defenses in tomato against Helicoverpa armigera depend in part on nutrient availability, but artificial induction via methyl jasmonate does not

The effects of synthetic phytohormones, such as jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), on induced plant defenses and protection against herbivores have been well documented. Previous research on tomatoes has shown that exogenous JA and MeJA can elevate the activities of defensive enzymes, like polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) and proteinase inhibitors (PIs), and reduce the performance of herbivores. While such defenses are believed to depend on the availability of resources for the plant, data on the relationship between nutrient availability and tomato JA defenses are scarce. For this study, we grew cultivated tomatoes under different nutrient regimes, that is, high, moderate, or low, and sprayed them with 1.5?mM MeJA or a control solution to assess (1) the oviposition preference of Helicoverpa armigera moths for these plants; (2) the plant??s total nitrogen and protein content; (3) the plant??s PPO and PI activity; and finally (4) the performance of H. armigera larvae on these plants. The results revealed that adult moths selecting an oviposition site did not discriminate between the treatments. Plants had a higher N-content when grown under a high-nutrient regime, but did not differ in total protein, irrespective of the MeJA treatment. Also, PPO activity was the same across treatments, but trypsin inhibitor (TPI) activity was highest in plants grown under a moderate fertilization regime. MeJA-induced TPI activity in all treatments was high but equal. Larvae had the highest weight gain on plants grown under a moderate fertilization regime. Interestingly, they stopped feeding on plants induced with MeJA, resulting in 100?% mortality. Our results indicate that the plant??s normal TPI activity is maximal under moderate-nutrient conditions and that this, surprisingly, coincides with maximal larval weight gain. In contrast, induction of TPI activity via MeJA is much stronger and independent of the plant??s fertilization history yet suffices to make the larvae stop feeding. We speculate that a moderate induction of TPI activity may result in a compensatory feeding response while inducing a high level of TPI activity will lead to enhanced protection.