Journal of Chemical Ecology (2006) 32, 2321-2326

John F. Tooker and Consuelo M. De Moraes (2006)
Jasmonate in lepidopteran larvae
Journal of Chemical Ecology 32 (10), 2321-2326
Abstract: Jasmonic acid (JA) is a key molecule initiating plant defensive responses to herbivory. Our previous work has shown that this phytohormone is often present at high concentrations in eggs and neonates of lepidopteran species. In this work, we document the concentrations of JA found in various tissues of larval H. virescens fed on artificial diets with varying JA concentrations and on transgenic tobacco lines with different capabilities of producing JA. At high JA concentrations, excess jasmonate appeared to be voided in frass, but significant amounts were found in most larval tissues we analyzed as well as in regurgitant. At lower concentrations, caterpillars excreted less JA and appeared to accumulate relatively greater amounts of JA in their tissues. In both experiments, substantial amounts of JA were found in labial salivary glands, a notable result since JA is an important signaling molecule involved in the induction of plant defenses.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): John F. Tooker

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host
molecular biology - genes

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Heliothis virescens