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Maize landraces recruit egg and larval parasitoids in response to egg deposition by a herbivore
Author(s) -
Tamiru Amanuel,
Bruce Toby J. A.,
Woodcock Christine M.,
Caulfield John C.,
Midega Charles A. O.,
Ogol Callistus K. P. O.,
Mayon Patrick,
Birkett Michael A.,
Pickett John A.,
Khan Zeyaur R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01674.x
Subject(s) - biology , herbivore , parasitoid , hatching , larva , biological pest control , elicitor , chilo , ecology , agronomy , botany , biochemistry , gene
Ecology Letters (2011) 14 : 1075–1083 Abstract 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.