Differential Performance and Parasitism of Caterpillars on Maize Inbred Lines with Distinctly Different Herbivore-Induced Volatile Emissions

摘要: Plant volatiles induced by insect feeding are known to attract natural enemies of the herbivores. Six maize inbred lines that showed distinctly different patterns volatile emission in laboratory assays were planted randomized plots Central Mexican Highlands test their ability recruit parasitic wasps under field conditions. The plants artificially infested with neonate larvae fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, and two its main endoparasitoids, Campoletis sonorensis Cotesia marginiventris, released plots. Volatiles collected from equally treated reference neighbourhood experimental field. cumulative amount 36 quantified compounds determined for each line was good accordance findings laboratory; there an almost 15-fold difference total between extreme lines. We found significant differences among respect numbers armyworms recovered plants, average weight gain parasitism rates. Average caterpillars negatively correlated six However, neither nor any specific single compound within blend could explain differential rates lines, possible exception (E)-2-hexenal methyl salicylate marginiventris. Herbivore-induced plant and/or correlates thereof contribute reducing damage through direct defence enhanced attraction parasitoids, alleged indirect defence. potential exploit these pest control deserves be further evaluated.