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Leaf Pubescence of Field Grown Wheat: A Deterrent to Oviposition by the Cereal Leaf Beetle
Author(s) -
Gallun R. L.,
Roberts J. J.,
Finney R. E.,
Patterson F. L.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1973.00472425000200030003x
Subject(s) - trichome , biology , agronomy , pest analysis , leaf beetle , cecidomyiidae , insect , larva , horticulture , botany
Leaf pubescence, a deterrent to oviposition by the cereal leaf beetle [ Oulema melanopus (L.) Diptera Cecidomyiidae], is being bred into wheats in an attempt to replace insecticides as a means of controlling damage by this insect pest. Experimental wheats ( Triticum aestivum L.) having more than 71 trichomes/mm 2 of flag leaf surface were nonpreferred for oviposition by the cereal leaf beetle compared with Arthur wheat which has 28 trichomes/mm 2 . The leaf pubescence of three Purdue wheats was responsible for over 94% reduction in the number of eggs that were laid by the beetle and the number of leaves damaged by feeding larvae.