Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (1979) 26, 202-207

A.C. Lewis (1979)
Feeding preference for diseased and wilted sunflower in the grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 26 (2), 202-207
Abstract: Field observations indicate that the polyphagous grasshopper Melanoplus differentialis prefers sunflower (Helianthus annuus). leaf tissue that has been damaged by previous feeding of other insects, is infected with rust fungus (Puccinia helianthii) or is wilted, to healthy tissue from the same plant. Laboratory and field tests on M. differentialis preference for diseased and wilted leaves over healthy leaves confirm the field observations. Evidence cited from this and other species suggests that this preference is due to favourable alterations in the nutritional and/or defensive chemistry of the plant. These results partially support theories which link changes in plant chemistry to outbreaks of some insects.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied from Acridological Abstracts with permission by NRI, Univ. of Greenwich at Medway.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Melanoplus differentialis	Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
	Puccinia helianthi	Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)