The roles of olfaction and vision in host-plant finding by the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella |
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Authors: | Aude Couty Helmut Van Emden Joe N Perry JIM Hardie John A Pickett Lester J Wadhams |
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Institution: | Biological Chemistry Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden,;Department of Agriculture, The University of Reading, Reading,;Plant and Invertebrate Ecology Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden and;Imperial College London, London, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Division of Biology, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, U.K. |
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Abstract: | Abstract. The relative roles of olfaction and vision in the crepuscular host-finding process of a major lepidopteran pest of cruciferous crops, the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella are investigated in a series of laboratory and semi‐field experiments. Flying female moths use volatile plant chemical cues to locate and to promote landing on their host, even in complex mixed-crop environments in large cages. Multiple regression analysis shows that both the plant position (front, middle or back rows) and the type of plant (host plant, nonhost plant) are needed to explain the distribution of insects in such a mixed-crop situation. This strong plant position effect indicates that, when host plants are present in a mixture, foraging P. xylostella are more likely to alight on the first row of the plants. The findings are discussed with regard to current theories of host-plant location by phytophagous insects and the possible implications for integrated pest management. |
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Keywords: | Diamondback moth host-plant location Lepidoptera olfaction plant–insect interaction Plutella xylostella Plutellidae vision |
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