Natal insect experience with Arabidopsis thaliana plant genotypes influences plasticity in oviposition behavior

Previous studies have shown that insect experience with secondary chemicals present in different plant species can induce behavioral changes in female oviposition preferences. However, there is a lack of information on whether insect experience with intraspecific plant variation may influence oviposition behavior. The prediction that experience with plant genotypes would affect the oviposition behavior of two crucifer insect pests was tested using a wild ecotype of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Brassicaceae) (Col‐0) and two of its genetically modified lines (35S:ESP and tgg1 tgg2), which differ in their glucosinolate hydrolysis profiles. Choice oviposition assays were performed using both naïve and experienced females of the specialist Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and the generalist Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In addition to oviposition preferences, the effect of plant genetic lines was assessed on insect traits related to development, growth, survival, and fecundity. Experience with different natal treatments (i.e., artificial diet and plant genotypes) led to changes in oviposition behavior of the diamondback moth P. xylostella; however, this effect was dependent on the specific genetic lines included in dual‐choice oviposition assays. In addition, for both moth species, experience led to female oviposition choices that would have maximized fitness of their offspring. In summary, this article suggests that insect experience with plant genotypes varying in their secondary metabolites can influence subsequent oviposition behavior. This outcome may have implications for plant‐insect coevolution and integrated pest management.