Integrated antiherbivore, antidesiccant and ultraviolet screening properties of creosotebush resin

摘要: Abstract The surface leaf resin of creosotebush, Larrea spp. (Zygophyllaceae) exhibits antiherbivore, antidesiccant and UV screening properties. Composed mainly monomeric phenolic aglycones, the absorbs most radiation wavelength shorter than 410 nm, reduces rate evaporative water loss across cellulose membrane tannin-like protein-complexing digestibility-reducing Leaf-chewing insects prefer mature leaves which have a lower content young leaves. A phenoloxidaes system present in probably enhances action on vitro proteolysis growth-rates Astroma quadrilobatum (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) are negatively correlated with resin-phenoloxidase activity as measured by macerated oxygen demand. Non-ideal behaviour is suggestive cooperative between components.