Beyond Predation: The Zoophytophagous Predator Macrolophus pygmaeus Induces Tomato Resistance against Spider Mites

摘要: Many predatory insects that prey on herbivores also feed the plant, but it is unknown whether plants affect performance of by responding to this phytophagy with defence induction. We investigate prior presence omnivorous predator Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) tomato affects plant resistance against two different herbivore species. Besides plant-mediated effects M. performance, we examined a trait known be inducible herbivory, proteinase inhibitors (PI), may activated in response interactions plant. show exposing reduced subsequently infesting herbivore, two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch, not greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). The spider-mite infested experience lower load, i.e., number eggs deposited and individuals present, when previously exposed zoophytophagous predator. This effect restricted leaf persists for at least weeks after removal predators. decreased mites as result exposure accompanied locally systemically increased accumulation transcripts activity are involved defence. Our results demonstrate predators can induce responses reduce performance. Hence, suppression populations certain via consumption strengthened induction defences