Use of lichen secondary metabolites as antifeedants to protect higher plants from damage caused by slug feeding |
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Authors: | S J CLARK I F HENDERSON D J HILL A P MARTIN |
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Institution: | Entomology and Nematology Department, IACR-Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK;Statistics Department, IACR-Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK;School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK |
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Abstract: | Extracts of 15 species of lichen were tested for antifeedant properties against the field slug Deroceras reticulation (Müller) (Mollusca: Pulmonata). All but three showed some activity and two of these were from endolithic species. The most effective extract was from Letharia vulpina. The major active compound from this species, vulpinic acid, was tested for dose response, applied as a foliar spray to turnip plants and as a dressing to wheat seeds in laboratory experiments. It provided effective protection against slug feeding under these conditions. |
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Keywords: | Lichen Deroceras reticulatum slug mollusc antifeedant vulpinic acid |
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