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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
agricultural and biological sciences
Maize landraces recruit egg and larval parasitoids in response to egg deposition by a herbivore
Ecology Letters, Volume 14, No. 11, Year 2011
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Description
Natural enemies respond to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), but an often overlooked aspect is that there may be genotypic variation in these 'indirect' plant defence traits within plant species. We found that egg deposition by stemborer moths (Chilo partellus) on maize landrace varieties caused emission of HIPVs that attract parasitic wasps. Notably, however, the oviposition-induced release of parasitoid attractants was completely absent in commercial hybrid maize varieties. In the landraces, not only were egg parasitoids (Trichogramma bournieri) attracted but also larval parasitoids (Cotesia sesamiae). This implies a sophisticated defence strategy whereby parasitoids are recruited in anticipation of egg hatching. The effect was systemic and caused by an elicitor, which could be extracted from egg materials associated with attachment to leaves. Our findings suggest that indirect plant defence traits may have become lost during crop breeding and could be valuable in new resistance breeding for sustainable agriculture. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd/CNRS.
Authors & Co-Authors
Tamiru, Amanuel
Kenya, Nairobi
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Bruce, Toby J.A.
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Woodcock, Christine M.
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Caulfield, John C.
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Midega, Charles Aura Odhiambo
Kenya, Nairobi
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Ogol, Callistus K.P.O.
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenyatta University
Mayon, P.
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Birkett, Michael Alexander
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Pickett, John Anthony
United Kingdom, Harpenden
Rothamsted Research
Khan, Zeyaur Rahman
Kenya, Nairobi
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Statistics
Citations: 221
Authors: 10
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01674.x
ISSN:
1461023X
e-ISSN:
14610248
Research Areas
Environmental