Comparison of short- and long-feed transmission of the cauliflower mosaic virus Cabb-S strain and SΔII hybrid by two species of aphid: Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Brevicoryne brassicae (L.)

The cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) hybrid SΔII, partially deleted in ORFII, loses its transmissibility by the aphid Myzus persicae on 5-min acquisition feed. We have also shown that it is not transmitted after 8-h acquisition feed. The same occurs with Brevicoryne brassicae. Therefore, the aphid transmission factor (ATF) is involved in both means of transmission and in both aphid species. M. persicae can acquire CaMV Cabb-S strain in less than 20 s. M. persicae is a more efficient vector during a short feed than during a long feed, contrary to B. brassicae which transmits better during a long feed.     

Transmission of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus by Colonizing and Non-colonizing Aphids in Greece and New Aphid Species Vectors of the Virus

Nineteen aphid species were tested for their ability to transmit Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) from and to zucchini under laboratory conditions. Sixteen species were found to be new vectors of ZYMV (i.e. Aphis craccae, Aphis fabae, Aphis nerii, Aulacorthum solani, Brachycaudus cardui, Brevicoryne brassicae, Hyalopterus pruni complex, Hyperomyzus lactucae, Macrosiphoniella sanborni, Macrosiphum rosae, Metopolophium dirhodum, Myzus cerasi, Rhopalosiphum maidis, R. padi, Semiaphis dauci and Sipha maydis). Their transmission efficiency by a single aphid was low (0.1–4.2%). Myzus persicae was used as a control and was the most efficient vector (41.1%, one aphid per plant). Hayhurstia atriplicis, Myzus ascalonicus and Sitobion avenae did not transmit the virus. In four out of six new vectors assayed in arena tests for propensity estimation, propensity was higher than efficiency. Data from an experimental zucchini field in northern Greece revealed a high correlation between ZYMV spread and alatae of the vector species. The most abundant aphid vectors during 2 years experimentation were M. persicae, Aphis gossypii and Aphis spiraecola. The possible role of the 16 new and the previously known aphid vectors in the epidemiology of ZYMV was investigated using data of transmission efficiency combined with the captures of their alatae in the Greek net of a Rothamsted type suction trap.     

Selection of aphid prey by a generalist predator: do prey chemical defences matter?

1. For predators, prey selection should maximise nutrition and minimise fitness costs. In the present study, it was investigated whether a generalist predator [Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) lacewing larvae] rejected harmful, chemically‐defended prey [Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) aphids] when non‐defended prey [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) aphids] were available. 2. It was tested: (i) whether consuming different prey species affects predator mortality; (ii) whether naïve predators reject chemically‐defended prey while foraging when non‐defended prey are available; (iii) whether the relative abundance of each prey affects the predator's prey choice; and (iv) whether predators learn to avoid consuming chemically‐defended prey after exposure to both prey species. 3. Consumption of B. brassicae yielded greater C. carnea mortality than M. persicae consumption, but naïve C. carnea did not reject B. brassicae in favour of M. persicae during foraging. When presented at unequal abundances, naïve predators generally consumed each aphid species according to their initial relative abundance, although, predation of non‐defended prey was less than expected when defended prey were initially more abundant, indicating a high consumption of B. brassicae impeded M. persicae consumption. With experience, C. carnea maintained predation of both aphid species but consumed more M. persicae than B. brassicae, indicating a change in behaviour. 4. Although prey choice by C. carnea may change with experience of available prey, prey chemical defences do not appear to influence prey choice by naïve predators. This inability to avoid harmful prey could facilitate wider, indirect interactions. Myzus persicae may benefit where high consumption of B. brassicae hinders predators in the short term, and in the long term, increases predator mortality.     

Studies on beet western yellows virus in oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera) was studied as a potential overwintering host for the sugar-beet yellowing viruses, beet yellows virus (BYV) and beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), and their principal vector, Myzus persicae. In spring 1982, plants infected with a virus which reacted positively in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with BMYV antibody globulin were found in oilseed-rape crops; none of the plants contained virus which reacted with BYV antibody globulin. This virus was subsequently identified as beet western yellows virus (BWYV). No leaf symptoms could be consistently associated with infection of oilseed rape, but the virus was reliably detected by sampling any leaf on an infected oilseed-rape plant. Some isolates from oilseed rape did infect sugar beet in glasshouse tests, but the proportions of inoculated plants which became infected were low. Apparently there is therefore little danger of much direct transmission of BWYV by M. persicae from oilseed rape to sugar beet in spring. BWYV was introduced to and spread within oilseed-rape crops in autumn by M. persicae, and autumn-sown oilseed rape proved to be a potentially important overwintering host for M. persicae. In a survey of 80 autumn-sown crops of oilseed rape in East Anglia, northern England and Scotland in spring 1983, 78 were shown to be extensively infected with BWYV. Experimental plots of oilseed rape with 100% BWYV-infection yielded approximately 13.4% less oil than plots with 18% virus infection, the result of a decrease in both seed yield and oil content.     

Comparative transmission of bean leaf roll and pea enation mosaic viruses by aphids

Acyrthosiphon pisum was a more efficient vector than Myzus persicae of bean leaf roll virus (BLRV), but the two species transmitted pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) equally well and much more often than Megoura viciae. M. viciae did not transmit BLRV, and Aphis fabae did not transmit BLRV or PEMV. BLRV and PEMV were transmitted more often by nymphs of A. pisum than by adult apterae or alatae that fed on infected plants only as adults, but both viruses were readily transmitted by adults that had developed on infected plants. The shortest time in which nymphs acquired BLRV was 2 h, and 50 % transmitted after an acquisition period of 4 days. Some nymphs acquired PEMV in 30 min and 50% in 8 h. The shortest time for inoculation of BLRV by adults was 15 min, but some transmitted PEMV in probes lasting less than 1 min. The median latent periods of BLRV and PEMV in aphids fed for 12 h on infected plants were, respectively, 105 and 44 h. Clones of A. pisum differed in their ability to transmit BLRV and PEMV, and efficiency in transmitting the two viruses seemed to be unrelated. Some aphids that fed successively on plants infected with each virus transmitted both viruses, and infectivity with one virus did not seem to affect transmission of the other.     

Plant infection by two different viruses induce contrasting changes of vectors fitness and behavior

Insect-vectored plant viruses can induce changes in plant phenotypes,thus influencing plant-vector interactions in a way that may promote their dispersal according to their mode of transmission (i.e.,circulative vs.noncirculative).This indirect vector manipulation requires host-virus-vector coevolution and would thus be effective solely in very specific plant-virus-vector species associations.Some studies suggest this manipulation may depend on multiple factors relative to various intrinsic characteristics of vectors such as transmission efficiency.In anintegrative study,we tested the effects of infection of the Brassicaceae Camelina sativa with the noncirculative Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV)or the circulative Turnip yellows virus (TuYV)on the host-plant colonization of two aphid species differing in their virus transmission efficiency:the polyphagous Myzus persicae,efficient vector of both viruses,and the Brassicaceae specialist Brevicoryne brassicae,poor vector of TuYV and efficient vector of CaMV.Results confirmed the important role of virus mode of transmission as plant-mediated effects of CaMV on the two aphid species induced negative alterations of feeding behavior (i.e.,decreased phloem sap ingestion)and performance that were both conducive for virus fitness by promoting dispersion after a rapid acquisition.In addition,virus transmission efficiency may also play a role in vector manipulation by viruses as only the responses of the efficient vector to plant-mediated effects of TuYV,that is,enhanced feeding behavior and performances,were favorable to their acquisition and further dispersal.Altogether,this work demonstrated that vector transmission efficiency also has to be considered when studying the mechanisms underlying vector manipulation by viruses.Our results also re- inforce the idea that vector manipulation requires coevolution between plant,virus and vector.     

Further evidence on the nature of the dependence of carrot mottle virus on carrot red leaf virus for transmission by aphids

Preparations were made from chervil plants doubly infected with carrot mottle virus (CMotV) and its helper virus, carrot red leaf (CRLV), on which it depends for transmission by the aphid Cavariella aegopodii, by the procedure developed previously for CRLV. The preparations contained 25 nm isometric particles which were indistinguishable from those of CRLV but possessed aphid-transmissible infectivity of both viruses and manually transmissible infectivity of CMotV. Only one sedimenting and buoyant density component was detected. The manually transmissible CMotV infectivity was resistant to freezing and to organic solvents, treatments that destroyed the CMotV infectivity in extracts from singly infected plants. The aphid-transmissible CMotV infectivity in preparations from CRLV/ CMotV-infected plants, and that in extracts from CRLV/CMotV-carrying C. aegopodii, was abolished by treatment with CRLV antiserum but not with normal serum. These results show that transmission of CMotV by C. aegopodii is dependent on the packaging of its RNA in coats composed partially or entirely of CRLV particle protein. The aphid Myzus persicae does not transmit CRLV or CMotV from plants mixedly or singly infected with these viruses but it is a vector of beet western yellows virus (BWYV) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV) and it transmitted CMotV from plants that also contained either of these viruses. This suggests that the coat proteins of BWYV and PLRV can substitute for that of CRLV in packaging CMotV nucleic acid and thereby confer on it their own vector specificities.     

The use of monoclonal antibodies to detect beet mild yellowing virus and beet western yellows virus in aphids

Information on infectivity of the aphids which invade sugar beet root crops each Spring is required for forecasting incidence and providing advice on control of virus yellows. Monoclonal antibodies, produced in the USA to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and in Canada to beet western yellows virus (BWYV), were used to distinguish between sugar-beet-infecting strains of the luteovirus beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), and the non-beet-infecting strains of the closely-related BWYV in plant and aphid tissue. Totals of 773 immigrant winged Myzuspersicae and 124 Macrosiphum euphorbiae were caught in water traps in a crop of sugar beet between 25 April and 5 August 1990. Using the monoclonal antibodies and an amplified ELISA, 67%M. persicae and 19%M. euphorbiae were shown to contain BWYV; 8%M. persicae and 7%M. euphorbiae contained BMYV. In studies with live winged aphids collected from the same sugar beet field during May, 25 of 60 M. persicae and two of 13 M. euphorbiae transmitted BWYV to the indicator host plant Montia perfoliata; two M. persicae and two M. euphorbiae transmitted BMYV. In another study three of 65 M. persicae and one of three M. euphorbiae in which only BWYV was detected, transmitted this virus to sugar beet.     

Responses of Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae to leaf age and water stress in Brussels sprouts grown in pots

Although intermittent water stress is largely beneficial and continuous water stress largely detrimental to the reproduction and survival of Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae feeding on Brussels sprouts, there are differences between the species on different leaf ages. During intermittent water stress in the old leaves, the normal feeding stratum of M. persicae, this aphid is relatively more successful than B. brassicae. During continuous water stress in the young leaves, the normal feeding stratum of B. brassicae, this aphid is relatively more successful than M. persicae. The high suitability of old leaves for M. persicae and, to a lesser extent, their low suitability for B. brassicae, are also apparent on turgid plants, in terms of reproduction, survival and the proportion of alate progeny. For M. persicae substrates which permit greater reproduction also promote fewer alatae but this is not always so for B. brassicae. However, crowding was not controlled in these experiments.It is suggested that these responses result from variation in the provision of the different nutritional and phagostimulant requirements of the two species by different leaf ages and during water stress.In the field irrigation may delay aphid multiplication during dry weather.

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Zusammenfassung Die Reaktionen ungeflügelter Virginoparer von M. persicae und B. brassicae auf verschiedenes Blattalter von Kohlpflanzen (Brassicae oleracea L. var. bullata gemmifera) in Blumentöpfen mit verschiedener Wasserversorgung wurde an der Reproduktionsrate, der Entwicklungs-und Lebensdauer (des Adultstadiums, der Dauer der reproduktiven wie der post-reproduktiven Phase) und der Geflügeltenbildung der Blattläuse untersucht. Dazu wurden zwei Formen des Wassermangels benutzt: (1) vorübergehender, bei welchem das verfügbare (AW) zwischen der Feldkapazität und einen im voraus festgelegten Defizit (10% = Wasser feucht, 50% = mäßig, 90% = trocken) schwankte, und (2) dauernder, bei welchem eine Abnahme des verfügbaren Wässers von einem bekannten Ausgangspunkt allmählich erfolgte.Obwohl für die Aphiden vorübergehender Wassermangel weitgehend vorteilhaft, beständiger aber schädlich ist, bestehen Unterschiede zwischen den Arten auf verschiedenaltrigen Blättern. Auf jungem und reifem Laub steigen Vermehrung und Lebensdauer beider Arten Durch vorübergehenden Wassermangel an, aber auf alten Blättern leidet B. brassicae in dem Maße wie sich der Mangel verstärkt, während M. persicae bei mäßigem Mangel Vorteile hat und nur leidet, wenn periodisches Welken eintritt. Bei beiden Arten verursacht beständiger Wassermangel Hemmung der Reproduktion. Diese Abnahme beschleunigt sich bei Annäherung an den permanenten Welkepunkt (PWP) und war für die Aphiden auf alten Blättern am stärksten. Im Gegensatz zu M. persicae nimmt die Reproduktionsrate von B. brassicae sogar am permanenten Welkepunkt nicht ab. Die. hohe Eignung alter Blätter für M. persicae und — in geringerem Maße — ihre geringe Eignung für B. brassicae waren auch an turgeszenten Pflanzen bei der Reproduktionsrate, der Überlebensdauer und dem Prozentsatz geflügelter Nachkommen deutlich festzustellen.Es wird vermutet, daß sich diese Reaktionen aus Verschiedenheiten in der Befriedigung unterschiedlicher nutritiver und phagostimulatorischer Bedürfnisse der beiden Arten auf verschieden alten Blättern und bei Wassermangel ergeben. Im Freien dürfte bei trockenem Wetter künstliche Bewässerung die Blattlausvermehrung verzögern.

     

Associational resistance or susceptibility: the indirect interaction between chemically‐defended and non‐defended herbivore prey via a shared predator

Many organisms possess chemical defences against their natural enemies, which render them unpalatable or toxic when attacked or consumed. These chemically‐defended organisms commonly occur in communities with non‐ or less‐defended prey, leading to indirect interactions between prey species, mediated by natural enemies. Although the importance of enemy‐mediated indirect interactions have been well documented (e.g. apparent competition), how the presence of prey chemical defences may affect predation of non‐defended prey in terrestrial communities remains unclear. Here, an experimental approach was used to study the predator‐mediated indirect interaction between a chemically‐defended and non‐defended pest aphid species. Using laboratory‐based mesocosms, aphid community composition was manipulated to include chemically‐defended (CD) aphids Brevicoryne brassicae, non‐defended (ND) aphids Myzus persicae or a mixed assemblage of both species, on Brassica oleracea cabbage plants, in the presence or absence of a shared predator (Chrysoperla carnea larvae). Aphid population growth rates, aphid distributions on host plants and predator growth rates were measured. In single‐species treatments, C. carnea reduced M. persicae population growth rate, but had no significant impact on B. brassicae population growth rate, suggesting B. brassicae chemical defences are effective against C. carnea. Chrysoperla carnea had no significant impact on either aphid species population growth rate in mixed‐species treatments. Myzus persicae (ND) therefore experienced reduced predation in the presence of B. brassicae (CD) through a predator‐mediated indirect effect. Moreover, predator growth rates were significantly higher in the M. persicae‐only treatments than in either the B. brassicae‐only or mixed‐species treatments, suggesting predation was impaired in the presence of B. brassicae (CD). A trait‐mediated indirect interaction is proposed, consistent with associational resistance, in which the predator, upon incidental consumption of chemically‐defended aphids is deterred from feeding, releasing non‐defended aphids from predatory control.     

The transmission of potato virus Y by aphids of different vectoring abilities

Adult apterae of Myzus persicae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae that did not transmit potato virus Y^N (PVY^N) in a first test were as likely to transmit the virus in a subsequent test as those that did transmit on the first occasion. Only 16% of M. persicae that were allowed a single acquisition probe into a leaf infected with both PVY^O and PVY^N transmitted both strains, 37% transmitted either PVY^O or PVY^N and 47% did not transmit. There was no difference in the duration of probes that did or did not result in virus transmission. Statistical models were fitted to data on the frequency of transmission of PVY^O, PVY^N or both PVY^O and PVY^N by M. persicae and by aphids of poorer vector species, M. euphorbiae and Rhopalosiphum padi. Transmission of the two viruses ocurred independently of each other and consequently transmission of both was rare with M. euphorbiae and R. padi. Mineral oil applied to leaves infected with both strains diminished the frequency of transmission by M. persicae. Fitted models suggested that the aphids that probed through the oil droplets on leaves treated 30 min previously did not transmit virus, and that 24 h later, when the droplets had spread, aphids probing through them could transmit but with a decreased ability.     

Influence of elevated CO2 on interspecific interactions at higher trophic levels

Abstract We report the results of a study investigating the influence of elevated CO₂ on species interactions across three trophic levels: a plant (Brassica oleracea), two aphid herbivores (the generalist Myzus persicae and the specialist Brevicoryne brassicae), and two natural enemies (the coccinellid Hippodamia convergens (ladybird) and the parasitoid wasp Diaeretiella rapae). Brassica oleracea plants reared under elevated CO₂ conditions (650 ppmv vs. 350 ppmv) were larger and had decreased water and nitrogen content. Brevicoryne brassicae reared on plants grown in elevated CO₂ were larger and accumulated more fat, while there was no change in M. persicae traits. Fecundity of individual aphids appeared to be increased when reared on plants grown in elevated CO₂. However, these differences were generally lost when aphids were reared in colonies, suggesting that such changes in plant quality will have subtle effects on aphid intraspecific interactions. Nevertheless, CO₂ treatment did influence aphid distribution on plants, with significantly fewer M. persicae found on the shoots, and B. brassicae was only found on senescing leaves, when colonies were reared on plants grown in elevated CO₂. We reared B. brassicae and M. persicae in competition on plants grown at both the CO₂ concentration treatments. We found a significantly lower ratio of M. persicae: B. brassicae on plants grown under elevated CO₂ conditions, strongly suggesting that increasing CO₂ concentrations can alter the outcome of competition among insect herbivores. This was also reflected in the distribution of the aphids on the plants. While the CO₂ treatment did not influence where B. brassicae were found, fewer M. persicae were present on senescing leaves under elevated CO₂ conditions. Changes in plant quality resulting from the CO₂ treatments did not appear to alter aphid quality as prey species, as the number consumed by the ladybird H. convergens, and the number parasitised by the parasitoid wasp D. rapae, did not change. To our knowledge, this study provides the first empirical evidence that changes in host plant quality mediated by increasing levels of CO₂ can alter the outcome of interspecific competition among insect herbivores.     

Effect of sinigrin on the efficiency of acquisition of turnip mosaic virus byMyzus persicae andBrevicoryne brassicae

The efficiency of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) acqusition fromSinapis alba L. without sinigrin andBrassica nigra (L.) Koch with a high content of sinigrin by non-fastedMyzus persicae (Sulz.) andBrevicoryne brassicae (L.) was investigated in order to determine the effect of the phagostimulatory glucoside sinigrin on virus transmission. There was a significantly higher acquisition of TuMV fromS. alba byM. persicae than fromB. nigra. Conversely,B. brassicae acquired the virus more efficiently fromB. nigra than fromS. alba. The efficiency of transmission was positively correlated with the response of both aphid species to sinigrin. Saturation ofS. alba leaves with a 1 % solution of sinigrin did not significantly affect the acquisition of TuMV, in neitherM. persicae norB. brassicae, whether the aphids were fasted or not.     

Low parasitism by Diaeretiella rapae (Hym.: Braconidae) of Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Hemip.: Aphididae): pre- or post-ovipositional host resistance?

While the aphid Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis) (Hemip.: Aphididae: Macrosiphini) is considered one of the preferred hosts of Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hym.: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in several parts of the world, field surveys in Uberlandia (Brazil) found parasitism of this aphid to not exceed 10%. This study sought to determine the cause of this low parasitism, as well as the effects of parasitism on the intrinsic growth rate of the aphid population. We evaluated parasitism, percentage emergence, developmental time, longevity, number of attacks and number of parasitoid larvae in L. pseudobrassicae and compared these to the same characteristics in Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer). The lowest percentage of parasitism was found in L. pseudobrassicae, followed by M. persicae and B. brassicae. The ratio between the number of parasitoid larvae and the number of ovipositions in L. pseudobrassicae ranged from 0.02 to 0.03, while, in B. brassicae, it was between 0.41 and 0.44 and, in M. persicae, between 0.62 and 0.80, indicating high mortality rates of early stages of D. rapae in L. pseudobrassicae. Parasitism by D. rapae reduced the r_m of L. pseudobrassicae. The r_m for parasitised aphids was only 63% of that for unparasitised aphids. However, no hosts died before reaching adulthood, and 83% of parasitised aphids were still able to reproduce. As a result, the r_m of the aphid was positive, resulting in population growth of L. pseudobrassicae, even among individuals parasitised during the second instar. Our results indicate the existence of L. pseudobrassicae genotypes that are completely resistant to D. rapae.     

Effects of infection with the cabbage black ringspot strain of turnip mosaic virus on turnip as a host to Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae

When turnip plants with 3–7 leaves were inoculated with cabbage black ringspot virus (CBRSV) on the 3rd rough-leaf, symptoms only appeared on leaves that had been less than 15 mm long at the time of inoculation, although infection decreased the area and both fresh and dry weight of all leaves. Leaves were ‘aged’ by their appearance and placed in Leaf Age Categories (LACs). Leaves with symptoms senesced (‘aged’) prematurely. CBRSV-infection of cv. Green Top White did not change the distribution of populations of Myzus persicae between LACs, but increased the proportion of the plant suitable for colonisation. All suitable LACs were quickly colonised by adult apterae and nymphs. On CBRSV-infected plants the nymphal period was shorter, F₁ adults deposited larvae more frequently and the live body weight and tibial length of the F₂ generation was greater, than on healthy plants. The distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae populations on cv. Green Top White differed from that of M. persicae but was also unchanged by CBRSV-infection. On healthy plants the largest colonies were on mature leaves, so that on virus-infected plants premature senescence shortened the life of the colony. On CBRSV-infected plants the nymphal period was prolonged and the live weight of F₁ and F₂ adult apterae was less than on healthy plants. The differences between the biology of M. persicae and B. brassicae on CBRSV-infected cv. Green Top White were associated with the accelerated senescence of CBRSV-infected leaves. The possibility that CBRSV-infection might reduce the resistance of turnips to aphid infestation was tested. M. persicae and B. brassicae were cultured on two favourable and two less favourable cultivars. No improvement in population growth rate was found when the less favourable host cultivars were infected with CBRSV, but both aphid species weighed less and/or had smaller nymphal populations on cultivars showing the severest symptoms. These results are discussed in relation to the evolution of non-persistent virus transmission by aphids.     

Selection of Brussels sprouts of different water status by apterous and alate Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae in relation to the age of leaves

The feeding preferences of apterae for leaves of different ages are shown largely to determine the distribution of Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae on Brussels sprouts in which they colonise particularly the old and young leaves respectively. Alatae contribute to this segregation but less so since alatae of both species settle preferentially on the plant apex. Apterous and to some extent alate M. persicae select the most nutritious leaves as measured by reproduction, but this is less often so with B. brassicae.Water stress causing wilting of the old leaves reduces settling on the plants by alate B. brassicae but not alate M. persicae which avoid the old leaves and instead colonise the apex. Among leaves of different water status apterous M. persicae again select the most nutritious while B. brassicae does so less consistently.These results are compatible with some aspects of the dual discrimination theory of hostplant selection assuming the polyphagous M. persicae responds more to nutrients and less to flavour than the oligophagous B. brassicae.

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Zusammenfassung Geflügelten Virginoparen von M. persicae und B. brassicae wurde gestattet, von übervölkerten Quell-Pflanzen abzufliegen und Kohlpflanzen (Brassica oleracea L. var. bullata gemmifera) zu besiedeln, die unterschiedlich mit Wasser versorgt waren (feucht, mäßig, trocken). Wassermangel, der (durch Trockenhaltung) zum Welken der alten Blätter führte, verringerte die Besiedlung der Pflanzen durch geflügelte B. brassicae, jedoch nicht durch geflügelte M. persicae, welche dann die alten Blätter mieden und stattdessen die Triebspitzen besiedelten. Auf turgeszenten Pflanzen mied M. persicae die reifen Blätter und besiedelte die Gipfel sowie junge und alte Blätter. Im Gegensatz dazu lehnte B. brassicae die alten Blätter ab und besiedelte in großer Zahl die ausgereiften Blätter sowie die Triebspitzen der Pflanzen. Geflügelte beider Arten erreichten größte Siedlungsdichte im Triebgipfel, besonders B. brassicae.In Zweiweg-Wahlkammer-Versuchen konnten Ungeflügelte beider Arten zwischen Blättern verschiedenen Alters und verschiedener Hydratur wählen. Das Trockenregime wurde dabei in zwei Varianten angeboten: Pflanzen, die welkten und solche, die gerade wieder bewässert wurden. Gemessen an der Reproduktionsrate wählte M. persicae konstant die nährstoffreicheren Bläller, d.h. alte > junge > reife turgeszente Blätter trockener > mäßiger > feuchter Hydratur mit Ausnahme welkender Blätter, die gemieden wurden. B. brassicae wählte weniger eindeutig (Unstimmigkeiten kursiv), d.h. junge > reife > alte turgeszente Blätter, feuchte = mäßige Hydratur in allen Blattalterstufen; trocken > mäßig und feucht bei jongen Blättern; mäßig und feucht > trocken bei reifem und altem Laub.Die Verteilung von M. persicae und B. brassicae auf den Kohlpflanzen wird weitgehend von den Nahrungsansprüchen der Ungeflügelten bestimmt, die besonders die alten bzw. die jungen Blätter besiedeln. Die Ergebnisse decken sich in einigen Hinsichten mit der doppelten Unterscheidungstheorie bei der Wirtspflanzenwahl, indem angenommen werden kann, daß die polyphage M. persicae mehr auf die (primären) Nährstoffe und weniger auf die (sekundären) Duftstoffe anspricht als die oligophage B. brassicae.

     

Prey‐mediated effects of glucosinolates on aphid predators

1. Plant resistance against herbivores can act directly (e.g. by producing toxins) and indirectly (e.g. by attracting natural enemies of herbivores). If plant secondary metabolites that cause direct resistance against herbivores, such as glucosinolates, negatively influence natural enemies, this may result in a conflict between direct and indirect plant resistance. 2. Our objectives were (i) to test herbivore‐mediated effects of glucosinolates on the performance of two generalist predators, the marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) and the common green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) and (ii) to test whether intraspecific plant variation affects predator performance. 3. Predators were fed either Brevicoryne brassicae, a glucosinolate‐sequestering specialist aphid that contains aphid‐specific myrosinases, or Myzus persicae, a non‐sequestering generalist aphid that excretes glucosinolates in the honeydew, reared on four different white cabbage cultivars. Predator performance and glucosinolate concentrations and profiles in B. brassicae and host‐plant phloem were measured, a novel approach as previous studies often measured glucosinolate concentrations only in total leaf material. 4. Interestingly, the specialist aphid B. brassicae selectively sequestered glucosinolates from its host plant. The performance of predators fed this aphid species was lower than when fed M. persicae. When fed B. brassicae reared on different cultivars, differences in predator performance matched differences in glucosinolate profiles among the aphids. 5. We show that not only the prey species, but also the plant cultivar can have an effect on the performance of predators. Our results suggest that in the tritrophic system tested, there might be a conflict between direct and indirect plant resistance.