Effects of contemporary agricultural land cover on Colorado potato beetle genetic differentiation in the Columbia Basin and Central Sands

Landscape structure, which can be manipulated in agricultural landscapes through crop rotation and modification of field edge habitats, can have important effects on connectivity among local populations of insects. Though crop rotation is known to influence the abundance of Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) fields each year, whether crop rotation and intervening edge habitat also affect genetic variation among populations is unknown. We investigated the role of landscape configuration and composition in shaping patterns of genetic variation in CPB populations in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, and the Central Sands of Wisconsin, USA. We compared landscape structure and its potential suitability for dispersal, tested for effects of specific land cover types on genetic differentiation among CPB populations, and examined the relationship between crop rotation distances and genetic diversity. We found higher genetic differentiation between populations separated by low potato land cover, and lower genetic diversity in populations occupying areas with greater crop rotation distances. Importantly, these relationships were only observed in the Columbia Basin, and no other land cover types influenced CPB genetic variation. The lack of signal in Wisconsin may arise as a consequence of greater effective population size and less pronounced genetic drift. Our results suggest that the degree to which host plant land cover connectivity affects CPB genetic variation depends on population size and that power to detect landscape effects on genetic differentiation might be reduced in agricultural insect pest systems.     

Assimilation of carotenoids with food by the beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

The author investigated by means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography the carotenoids in the leaves of Solanum tuberosum L. and in larvae and adults of Leptinotarsa decemlineata.     

Joint Influence of Pratylenchus penetrans (Nematoda) and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Insecta) on Solanum tuberosum Productivity and Pest Population Dynamics

The joint action of a plant parasitic nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans (root-lesion nematode), and an insect defoliator, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), on growth, development, and yield of Solanum tuberosum cv. Superior was studied in the field. Three population densities of P. penetrans were superimposed on each of three population levels of L. decemlineata. The major impact of P. penetrans on final yield was through a reduction in the number of tubers formed during tuber initiation. Defoliation by L. decemlineata increased with time as larvae advanced through successive instars and densities increased. This resulted in a significant reduction in tuber weight and numbers. Total yield of S. tuberosum was decreased by 66% with increasing population densities of L. decemlineata and 27 % with increasing densities of P. penetrans. L. decemlineata feeding did not affect soil population densities of P. penetrans. Root population densities of P. penetrans, however, were significantly (P = 0.05) higher in plants maintained beetle free than in plants grown in the presence of the beetles.     

Glandular trichomes ofSolanum berthaultii alter host preference of the Colorado potato Beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Choice and no-choice studies were conducted to determine how the glandular trichomes of the wild potato,Solanum berthaultii Hawkes, affect host preference of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Given a feeding choice betweenS. tuberosum andS. berthaultii, larvae and adults preferred the foliage ofS. tuberosum, but adults were more discriminating. When foliage ofS. berthaultii was appressed toS. tuberosum leaflets, fewer adults fed on the appressed leaflets. When given a choice between ‘trichome-intact’ and ‘trichome-removed’S. berthaultii foliage, adults preferred to feed on the latter. The preference for ‘trichome-removed’ foliage and the percent of adults initiating feeding, increased with the degree of trichome removal. These studies provide evidence that the resistance ofS. berthaultii is associated with feeding deterrents localized in the glandular trichomes, thatS. berthaultii possesses more than one mechanism of resistance to the Colorado potato beetle, and that the expression of resistance is dependent on the developmental stage of the insect.     

Resistance of three wild tuber-bearing potatoes to the Colorado potato beetle

The resistance of Solanum okadae Hawkes & Hjert. (PI 458367), Solanum oplocense Hawkes (PI 473368), and Solanum tarijense Hawkes (PI 414150) to the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelini), was studied. In replicated field trials all three accessions showed a high level of resistance to the beetle. No significant genetic variability between genotypes of the same species was found. Results from host acceptance behavior experiments, suitability for larval development tests, foliage consumption tests, and adult survival and oviposition tests supported the hypothesis that the mode of resistance differs between the three wild Solanum species. Solanum okadae and S. oplocense affected host acceptance and consumption. Because the beetle reacted differently to these two species it was hypothesized that the antifeedant chemical(s) differed in nature or quantity. S. tarijense contrasted with the other two species by affecting mostly adult colonization and oviposition.     

Effects of systemic potato response to wounding and jasmonate on the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Sternorryncha: Aphididae)

Plant induced responses are activated by multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, and may affect the interactions between a plant and phytophagous insects. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different stresses inflicted to potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) on the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae). Abiotic wounding, biotic wounding by Leptinotarsa decemlineata and treatment with volatile methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were evaluated with regard to the orientation behaviour, the feeding behaviour and the development of the potato aphids. Dual‐choice olfactometry showed that plants treated with MeJA lost their attractiveness for the potato aphids, while both abiotic and biotic wounding did not alter the orientation of aphids. Electropenetrography revealed that the feeding behaviour of aphids was only slightly disturbed by a previous L. decemlineata wounding, while it was highly disturbed by mechanical wounding and MeJA treatment. Aphid nymph survival was reduced on mechanically wounded plants, the pre‐reproductive period was lengthened and the fecundity reduced on plants treated with MeJA. Our results bring new information about the effects of various stresses inflicted to S. tuberosum on M. euphorbiae. We showed that wounding and MeJA treatment induced an antixenosis resistance in potato plants against M. euphorbiae, which may influence aphid colonization processes.     

Choosy mothers pick challenging plants: maternal preference and larval performance of a specialist herbivore are not linked

1. Maternal preference is a dynamic process and interactions between preference and performance are fundamental for understanding evolutionary ecology and host association in insect–plant interactions. In the present study, the hypothesis of preference–performance was tested by offering solanaceous specialist Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae and adult females four plant congeners that ranged in suitability. 2. Larval feeding, development, oviposition, plant glycoalkaloids, and headspace volatiles in the four plant species were analysed to examine the extent of variation, which might explain performance–preference differences. 3. It was found that larval performance was mismatched with adult oviposition preferences. Adults laid more eggs on Solanum immite Dunal plants, which were poor hosts for larval development, feeding, and survival, compared to the other three Solanum species. 4. Chemical plant defenses, in general, did not correlate with performance or preference, but some plant volatiles may have played a role in resolving female choice. Glycoalkaloids such as solanine and chaconine were detected in similar amounts in preferred and non‐preferred hosts, but there was significantly more limonene in the headspace of S. immite than in S. tuberosum L. 5. The present findings suggest that we must consider the risk‐spreading hypothesis in cases where preference and performance are not positively correlated, particularly in specialist herbivores that can feed on a diversity of congener plants and may attempt to expand their exploits to other solanaceae species.     

Antifeedant and toxic effects of drimanes on Colorado potato beetle larvae

Among the drimane compounds tested, the dialdehydes polygodial and warburganal were the most active as antifeedants against Colorado potato beetle larvae, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in a dual-choice assay with potato, Solanum tuberosum L., leaf discs. Lactones were less effective. Direct observations showed that decreased feeding on leaf discs treated with polygodial and warburganal was accompanied by increased locomotry activity. Topical application of these two compounds on the insect's cuticle decreased food intake of untreated leaf discs, indicating that besides deterrent effects, toxic properties of these molecules influence feeding behaviour.     

Inbreeding depression in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum carolinense</Emphasis> (Solanaceae), a species with a plastic self-incompatibility response

Background  

Solanum carolinense (horsenettle) is a highly successful weed with a gametophytic self-incompatibility (SI) system. Previous studies reveal that the strength of SI in S. carolinense is a plastic trait, associated with particular S -alleles. The importance of this variation in self-fertility on the ability of horsenettle to found and establish new populations will depend, to a large extent, on the magnitude of inbreeding depression. We performed a series of greenhouse and field experiments to determine the magnitude of inbreeding depression in S. carolinense, whether inbreeding depression varies by family, and whether the estimates of inbreeding depression vary under field and greenhouse conditions. We performed a series of controlled self- and cross-pollinations on 16 genets collected from a large population in Pennsylvania to obtain progeny with different levels of inbreeding. We grew the selfed and outcrossed progeny in the greenhouse and under field conditions and recorded various measures of growth and reproductive output.     

Response of insecticide-resistant and susceptible Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata to 2-tridecanone and resistant tomato foliage: the absence of cross resistance

Insecticide-resistant Colorado potato beetles (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, from Long Island, New York and susceptible beetles from North Carolina were tested for response to 2-tridecanone and foliage of the CPB resistant wild tomato, Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum C. H. Mull, PI 134417. Populations did not differ in their response to 2-tridecanone or PI 134417 foliage. Exposure of beetles to sublethal doses of 2-tridecanone did not increase tolerance of either population to subsequent exposures to 2-tridecanone. It was also found that the New York beetles suffered higher mortality than North Carolina beetles on CPB susceptible L. esculentum foliage and PI 134417 foliage from which the glandular trichomes, which contain 2-tridecanone, were removed. Survival of North Carolina beetles was lower on PI 134417 foliage without trichomes than on L. esculentum foliage.

---

Résumé La lutte contre Leptinotarsa decemlineata, sur la tomate et des autres récoltes, compte ordinairement sur les insecticides. Cette confiance a causé plusieurs populations de cette espèce à développer une résistance aux insecticides. Accession PI 134417 de la tomate sauvage, Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum C. H. Mull, est résistant à L. decemlineata, en grande partie à cause de la presence de 2-tridécanone dans les éxtremités des poils glandulaires du feuillage. Notre étude entreprendait à rechercher la possibilité d'une résistance croisée aux insecticides et au 2-tridécanone.Les coléoptères de Long Island, New York, ceux qui sont résistants aux insecticides et ceux susceptibles de North Carolina, éprouvaient pour une réponse au 2-tridécanone et au feuillage résistant.Les deux populations de coléoptères ne diffèrent pas dans sa réponse au 2-tridécanone ou au feuillage résistant. Nous ne trouvons pas d'évidence d'une résistance croisée.Aussi, nous trouvons que les coléoptères de New York ne survivaient pas aussi bien que ceux de North Carolina au feuillage résistant sans les éxtremités des poils glandulaires et au feuillage susceptible. La survivance était plus basse sur le feuillage résistant sans les éxtremités des poils glandulaires que le feuillage susceptible seulement avec les coléoptères de North Carolina.

     

Plant damage and herbivore performance change with latitude for two old‐field plant species,but rarely as predicted

A long standing hypothesis in biogeography is that latitudinal gradients in plant defenses (LGPD) should arise because selection for plant defenses is greater in the tropics compared to temperate areas. Previous studies have focused on plant traits thought to confer resistance, yet many traits may not actually confer resistance (putative resistance) or interact to influence herbivore performance. In this study, I used a multi‐trophic approach to examine relationships between latitude, herbivore pressure, and plant resistance (measured as the growth rates of herbivores) of two old‐field plant species (Solanum carolinense and Solidago altissima) using a field survey across a 12 degree gradient in the eastern US combined with laboratory bioassays measuring the performance of generalist and specialist herbivores. I used structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect pathways by which latitude influences herbivore pressure and plant resistance. A latitudinal gradient in plant damage was observed in the expected direction for S. caroliense (damage decreased with latitude), but the opposite relationship was observed for S. altissima. Damage to both plant species was mediated by herbivore abundances, which was in turn influenced by predator abundances. Resistance to herbivores also varied with latitude but the form of the relationship was dependent on herbivore and plant species. There were direct, non‐linear relationships between latitude and resistance (for Spodoptera exigua and Schistocerca americana feeding on S. altissima; S. exigua and Manduca sexta feeding on S. carolinense). Herbivore growth rates were also mediated by the density of S. carolinense for Leptinotarsa juncta and S. americana feeding on S. carolinense. There was no relationship between plant resistance and herbivore pressure and no indication of feedbacks. Results from this study indicate that latitudinal variation in plant resistance is complex, possibly constrained by resource availability and tradeoffs in plant defenses.     

Host-habitat conditioning in the eulophid egg parasitoid, Edovum puttleri: effects of herbivore's host and its food plant

The egg parasitoid, Edovum puttleri Grissell, was cultured from eggs of two Leptinotarsa hosts, L. decemlineata (Say) and L. texana Schaeffer, and experienced on eggs from three L. decemlineata food plants, namely potato, Solanum tuberosum tuberosum L., eggplant, S. melongena L., and tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Host preference of the various cultures was determined using choice tests. parasitoid choices were influenced by the Leptinotarsa rearing host. Wasps, reared from L. decemlineata eggs from a mixture of all three food plants and experienced on egg masses from all three food plants, preferred to parasitize egg masses from potato. Wasps, reared from L. texana eggs from silver leaf nightshade, S. elaeagnifolium L., and experienced on egg masses from all three food plants, preferred to parasitize egg masses from tomato. Choices were also influenced by the herbivore's food plant that wasps were conditioned to. Wasps, reared from L. texana and experienced on egg masses from potato, preferred to parasitize egg masses from potato. Wasps, reared from L. decemlineata on potato and experienced on egg masses from potato, preferred to parasitize egg masses from potato. Wasps, reared from L. decemlineata on tomato and experienced on egg masses from tomato, did not display a distinct host preference. Within-egg mass parasitism (i.e., number of eggs per mass that were parasitized, probed, etc.) did not consistently differ among the three food plants. The implications of these data in parasitoid ecology and biological control programs for L. decemlineata are discussed.

---

Résumé L'oophage, E. puttleri a été élevé à partir des oeufs de Leptinotarsa decemlineata et L. texana. Il a été mis en expérience sur l'une des 3 plantes consommées par L. decemlineata: Solanum tuberosum tuberosum, S. melongena et Lycopersicon esculentum. Des expériences de choix ont permis de déterminer ses préférences pour les différentes catégories d'oeufs. Le choix de l'oophage est influencé par l'espèce de Leptinotarsa sur laquelle il a été élevé. E. puttleri élevé sur oeufs de L. decemlineata récoltés sur un mélange des 3 solanées, et mis en présence d'un choix de groupes d'oeufs provenant de ces 3 plantes, a parasité préférentiellement les oeufs récoltés sur S. t. tuberosum; élevé à partir d'oeufs de L. texana récoltés sur S. elaeagnifolium, et mis en présence d'un mélange de pontes des 3 solanées, il a préféré parasiter les oeufs provenant de L. esculentum. Son choix a été influencé aussi par la plante qui l'avait conditionné. E. puttleri, élevé à partir de L. texana et mis en expérience sur des pontes provenant de S. t. tuberosum a préféré pondre sur les oeufs provenant de cette solanée. De même, élevé à partir d'oeufs de L. decemlineata pondus sur S. t. tuberosum, il a préféré pondre sur les oeufs provenant de cette plante. Cependant, les oophages élevés à partir d'oeufs de L. decemlineata provenant de L. esculentum, et mis en présence de pontes provenant de L. esculentum, n'ont pas préféré significativement ces oeufs au détriment de ceux provenant des autres solanées, bien que les pontes récoltées sur L. esculentum aient été parasitées plus fréquemment quand 2 des 3 pontes (une de chaque plante) avaient été sondées ou parasitées. Le parasitisme à l'intérieur d'une ponte (nombre d'oeufs de la ponte parasités, sondés, etc) ne varie pas significativement avec la solanée d'origine. La discussion a porté sur les conséquences de ces observations sur l'écologie de l'oophage et sur la lutte biologique contre L. decemlineata.

     

Oviposition behavior of Edovum puttleri, reared on two hosts, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and L. texana

Female Edovum puttleri Grissell [Hymenoptera: Eulophidae], reared from eggs of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) or Leptinotarsa texana Schaeffer [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae], were videotaped as they attacked egg masses of L. decemlineata containing 20 host eggs. We identified 15 components of ovipositional behavior. Parasitoids reared on L. texana attacked and oviposited in significantly more host eggs than did females reared on L. decemlineata. Ethometric analyses of behavioral transitions and a clustering analysis of 34 behavioral parameters showed that females reared on L. texana attacked the host egg mass in a different manner than those reared from L. decemlineata. It was concluded that differences were associated with the host species upon which they were reared. Contrary to previous reports, mortality of unparasitized hosts was caused by an ovipositor probe of short duration, which was not related to host-feeding.     

Citrus limonoid effects on Colorado potato beetle larval survival and development

The effects of citrus limonoids, applied topically to potato (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Katahdin) foliage, on Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) (Say) (Chrysomelidae) larval development, growth, and survival were quantified in laboratory assays and a small-plot field test. In laboratory assays, survival, development rate, and body weight decreased with increasing limonoid concentration, however these measures of larval response did not significantly differ among varying periods of limonoid exposure (three, six, or nine days). Significant limonoid application concentration and frequency effects on survival, development rate, and defoliation were observed in the field test. These results indicate the potential utility of lethal and non-lethal effects of citrus limonoids for management of the Colorado potato beetle.     

Evolutionary adaptation to host plants in a laboratory population of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae Koch

Summary For evolutionary expansion of host range to occur in an herbivore population, genetic variation in ability to survive on and/or accept new hosts must be present. To determine whether a population of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae contained such variation, I established lines from the population on two hosts on which mites initially showed both high juvenile mortality and low acceptance, tomato and broccoli. In less than ten generations, mites from the line kept on each host showed both lower mortality and greater acceptance on it than mites from a control line kept on lima bean, a favorable host for T. urticae. Host acceptance was measured by the proportion of mites attempting to disperse from leaves of the host. The line kept on tomato but not the one kept on broccoli also increased in development rate on its host. These results and those of a similar previous experiment on cucumber indicate that T. urticae populations can adapt to a diversity of initially unfavorable hosts. T. urticae populations therefore should be able to respond to temporal and spatial variation in host availability by adapting to the most abundant hosts.     

Host plant defenses of black (Solanum nigrum L.) and red nightshade (Solanum villosum Mill.) against specialist Solanaceae herbivore Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum, S. nigrum L.) and red nightshade ( Solanum villosum, S. villosum Mill.) are medicinal plants from the Solanaceae family that synthesize glycoalkaloids and other secondary metabolites. To recognize the potential insecticide activity of these compounds, leaf extracts (containing glycoalkaloid and methanol fractions) were tested for enzyme inhibition, antifeedant activity and toxicity. For in‐vitro glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibition activity, we used insecticide‐resistant Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata ( L. decemlineata; Say) midgut and fat‐body homogenate. In‐vivo toxicity and the antifeedant activity were performed using larval bioassays. The methanol extracts had greater GST inhibitory activity compared to the glycoalkaloids, as well as greater 2nd instar larvae mortality and antifeedant activity. Furthermore, the green leaf volatile compound, cis‐hex‐3‐enyl acetate, at the concentration of 5 ppm, caused 50% mortality of 2nd instar larvae. Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of S. nigrum and S. villosum extracts to control L. decemlineata.     

Synthesis of active oryzacystatin I in transgenic potato plants

Summary Transformation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with cysteine proteinase inhibitor (PI) genes represents a potential way of controlling the major insect pest Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say). The present study describes the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of potato (cv. Kennebec) with an oryzacystatin I (OCI) cDNA clone linked to a CaMV 35S promoter. The transgenic plants accumulated active OCI in potato leaves, as demonstrated by the papain-inhibitory activity of transgenic plant leaf extracts. In addition to their anti-papain activity, the extracts also caused a partial but significant inhibition of CPB digestive proteinases, similar to that observed with pure inhibitors. Recombinant OCI did not alter the activity of the major potato leaf endogenous proteinases, which seemed to be of the serine-type. Therefore we suggest that the OCI cDNA can be used for the production of CPB-resistant transgenic potato plants without interfering with endogenous proteinases of these plants.Abbreviations CPB Colorado potato beetle - E-64 trans-epoxy-succinyl-L-leucylamido (4-guanidino) butane - OCI oryzacystatin I - PI proteinase inhibitor - PMSF phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride     

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles mediate behavioral interactions between a leaf-chewing and a phloem-feeding herbivore

Plants respond adaptively to herbivore stress in order to maintain fitness. Upon herbivore attack, plants emit blends of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that differ from those that are constitutively emitted. These defense responses are typically specific to the identity of the attacking herbivore and often linked to the herbivore's feeding guild (e.g. chewing, phloem-feeding). Herbivores use plant volatiles to locate suitable host plants and changes in volatile emissions can affect host-plant location. Therefore, herbivores from separate feeding guilds can interact indirectly through the modulation of plant responses. In this study we tested how damage by an herbivore from one feeding guild affected the host-plant choice of an herbivore from a separate feeding guild, and vice versa. A chewing herbivore, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), and a phloem feeding herbivore, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), were assayed in olfactometers to assess behavioral responses to odors emitted by potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) that were damaged by herbivores from the other feeding guild. Leptinotarsa decemlineata oriented more frequently towards undamaged plants compared to M. persicae damaged plants. Surprisingly, M. persicae preferred plants that were damaged by L. decemlineata, although previous studies had shown that they perform worse on these plants. Distinct differences were detected in the volatile profiles of herbivore-damaged and undamaged plants. Leptinotarsa decemlineata induced stronger volatile emissions compared to undamaged control plants, while M. persicae tended to suppress volatile emissions. These herbivores demonstrate contrasting induction of plant volatiles and behavioral responses. Exploring the nature of co-occurring herbivores and how they perceive potential hosts can play a significant role in understanding the ecological functions and community dynamics of plant plasticity and interactions with a variety of herbivores.     

Changes in emergence phenology,fatty acid composition,and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme expression is associated with increased insecticide resistance in the Colorado potato beetle

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a major agricultural pest of solanaceous crops. An effective management strategy employed by agricultural producers to control this pest species is the use of systemic insecticides. Recent emphasis has been placed on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides. Despite efforts to curb resistance development through integrated pest management approaches, resistance to neonicotinoids in L. decemlineata populations continues to increase. One contributing factor may be alterations in insect fatty acids, which have multiple metabolic functions and are associated with the synthesis of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes to mitigate the effects of insecticide exposure. In this study, we analyzed the fatty acid composition of L. decemlineata populations collected from an organic production field and from a commercially managed field to determine if fatty acid composition varied between the two populations. We demonstrate that a population of L. decemlineata that has a history of systemic neonicotinoid exposure (commercially managed) has a different lipid composition and differential expression of known metabolic detoxification mechanisms relative to a population that has not been exposed to neonicotinoids (organically managed). The fatty acid data indicated an upregulation of Δ⁶ desaturase in the commercially managed L. decemlineata population and suggest a role for eicosanoids and associated metabolic enzymes as potential modulators of insecticide resistance. We further observed a pattern of delayed emergence within the commercially managed population compared with the organically managed population. Variations in emergence timing together with specific fatty acid regulation may significantly influence the capacity of L. decemlineata to develop insecticide resistance.     

Glandular trichomes of Solanum berthaultii and resistance to the Colorado potato beetle

The defensive mechanisms of the wild potato, solanum berthaultii Hawkes, to larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), were studied by selective removal of glandular trichomes and trichome exudates from leaflets, and by comparing performance on S. berthaultii and on the cultivated potato, S. tuberosum L., which lacks defensively active type A and B glandular trichomes. Removal of type A trichomes increased the proportion of larvae that fed on S. berthaultii. Removal of the exudate from type B trichomes increased the proportion of larvae that fed and led to a decrease in mortality. The predominant active compounds in type B exudate, i.e. fatty acid esters of sucrose, were only effective in the presence of type A trichomes. Sucrose esters did not affect larval feeding on S. tuberosum leaflets or on S. berthaultii leaf discs from which the type A trichomes had been removed. Growth of surviving larvae was not significantly affected by removing type A trichomes or type B exudate. Growth of larvae was significantly increased when S. berthaultii leaflets were presented in artificial diet which eliminated the physical barrier of the type B stalks. Growth was no different on artificial diet containing either S. berthaultii or S. tuberosum leaf material (fresh or lyophilized powder) but was poorer on these diets than on S. tuberosum leaflets. The presence of type A trichomes is a fundamental requirement for expression of S. berthaultii resistance to L1 L. decemlineata. Type B droplets containing sucrose esters increase the expression of resistance in the presence of defensively-active type A trichomes.

---

Résumé Les mécanismes de défense de la pomme de terre sauvage, S. berthaultii Hawkes, aux larves de Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, ont été étudiés par ablation sélective des trichomes glandulaires et par l'élimination de leur exsudat des folioles, et par comparaison avec S. tuberosum L. qui a perdu les trichomes glandulaires défensifs A et B. L'ablation des trichomes A a augmenté la proportion de larves ayant consommé S. berthaultii. L'élimination de l'exsudat des trichomes B a augmenté la proportion de consommatrices et réduit la mortalité. Les principaux composés actifs de l'exsudat B, c'est-à-dire des esters d'acides gras de sucrose, n'étaient actifs qu'en présence de trichomes A. Les esters de sucrose n'ont pas modifié la consommation larvaire sur folioles de S. tuberosum, ou sur disques de feuilles de S. berthaultii dont les trichomes A avaient été enlevés. La croissance des larves survivantes n'a pas été modifiée significativement par l'ablation des trichomes A ou l'élimination de l'exsudat de B. La croissance des larves a été significativement augmentée quand les folioles de S. berthaultii ont été incorporés dans l'aliment artificiel après élimination de la barrière physique due aux pédoncules B. La croissance a été de même importance sur aliments artificiels contenant des feuilles (fraiches ou en poudre lyophylisée) de S. berthaultii ou de S. tuberosum, mais plus faible que sur folioles de S. tuberosum. La présence de trichomes A est indispensable à la résistance de S. berthaultii aux L, de L. decemlineata. Les gouttelettes de type B contenant des esters de sucrose augmentent l'expression de la résistance en présence d'une défense active par trichomes A.