Phytoparasitica (2021) 49, 479-489

Josielma Monteiro de Oliveira, Nívia da Silva Dias-Pini, José Wagner da Silva Melo, Wenner Vinicius Araújo Saraiva, Celli Rodrigues Muniz, Tiago Cardoso da Costa Lima, Valter Rodrigues Oliveira and Gabriela Priscila de Sousa Maciel (2021)
Leaf morphology of melon mediates feeding and oviposition preference, and immature survival of Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Phytoparasitica 49 (4), 479-489
Abstract: To assess the influence of melon genotypes on the feeding and oviposition preferences and survival of L. sativae immatures, a study was carried out by offering 21 melon genotypes (no-choice tests). Among the genotypes, 18 were the least preferred by L. sativae for oviposition, as demonstrated by the reduced numbers of eggs laid on the leaves, while 7 were least preferred for feeding, as demonstrated by the reduced feeding punctures inflicted on the leaves. Genotypes CNPH 06–1047-333 and CNPH 06–1047-341 exhibited strong antibiosis resistance, as confirmed by the occurrence of 100% larval mortality. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that for both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaves, the genotypes CNPH 06–1047-343, CNPH 06–1047-341 and CNPH 11–1071-43 had a lower density of trichomes and higher thickness of leaf epidermis when compared to the susceptible genotype. We also found a positive and significant correlation between the number of trichomes and the number of eggs of L. sativae on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces and with the feeding punctures on the adaxial surface of the melon leaves. On the other hand, the thickness of the leaf epidermis was negatively correlated with the number of insect eggs on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces and with the feeding punctures on the adaxial surface of the leaves. Antixenosis (feeding and oviposition preferences) on melon plants towards L. sativae is associated with a lower number of trichomes and to a higher thickness of the epidermis of leaves. Causes implicated to antibiosis should be further investigated.
(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): Nivia da Silva Dias-Pini

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Liriomyza sativae	Melon (Cucumis melo)	Brazil (NE)