Journal of Insect Behavior (2010) 23, 290-302

Joseph M. Patt and M. Sétamou (2010)
Recognition of novel volatile cues by the nymphs of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Cicadellidae)
Journal of Insect Behavior 23 (4), 290-302
Abstract: Nymphs of Homalodisca vitripennis are strict xylophages and frequently switch host-plants to obtain a balanced level of nutrients at appropriate tension levels. Associative learning of odors and other semiochemicals may enhance the nymphs' ability to recognize and locate potential host-plants. We examined whether nymphs could learn to associate a novel olfactory stimulus (vanilla) with a host-plant. Nymphs fed on cowpea plants treated systemically with vanilla extract or on untreated plants. Subsequently, their responses to a pale green target were measured in the presence or absence of vanilla odor. Nymphs were not innately attracted to pale green, and exposure to vanilla odor did not decrease a stereotypical scanning behavior. However, when presented with vanilla odor, significantly more conditioned nymphs selected the target than did control nymphs.
(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): Joseph M. Patt, Mamoudou Sétamou

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Homalodisca vitripennis