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  • Publication
    Accès libre
    Systemic root signalling in a belowground, volatile-mediated tritrophic interaction
    (2011) ; ;
    Robert, Christelle Aurélie Maud
    ;
    Plants attacked by leaf herbivores release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both locally from the wounded site and systemically from non-attacked tissues. These volatiles serve as attractants for predators and parasitoids. This phenomenon is well described for plant leaves, but systemic induction of VOCs in the roots has remained unstudied. We assessed the spatial and temporal activation of the synthesis and release of (E)-β-caryophyllene (EβC) in maize roots upon feeding by larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, as well as the importance of systemically produced EβC for the attraction of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis. The production of EβC was found to be significantly stronger at the site of attack than in non-attacked tissues. A weak, but significant, increase in transcriptional activity of the EβC synthase gene tps23 and a corresponding increase in EβC content were observed in the roots above the feeding site and in adjacent roots, demonstrating for the first time that herbivory triggers systemic production of a volatile within root systems. In belowground olfactometers, the nematodes were significantly more attracted towards local feeding sites than systemically induced roots. The possible advantages and disadvantages of systemic volatile signalling in roots are discussed.
  • Publication
    Accès libre
    Comparative susceptibility of larval instars and pupae of the western corn rootworm to infection by three entomopathogenic nematodes
    (2009)
    Kurtz, B.
    ;
    ; ;
    Kuhlmann, Ulrich
    ;
    Toepfer, Stefan
    As a first step towards the development of an ecologically rational control strategy against western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Europe, we compared the susceptibility of the soil living larvae and pupae of this maize pest to infection by three entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species. In laboratory assays using sand-filled trays, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar and H. megidis Poinar, Jackson & Klein (both Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) caused comparable mortality among all three larval instars and pupae of D. v. virgifera. In soil-filled trays, H. bacteriophora was slightly more effective against third larval instars and pupae, and H. megidis against third larval instars, compared to other developmental stages. In both sand and soil, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rh.: Steinernematidae) was least effective against second instars. In conclusion, all larval instars of D. v. virgifera show susceptibility to infection by all three nematodes tested. It is predicted that early application against young larval instars would be most effective at preventing root feeding damage by D. v. virgifera. Applications of nematodes just before or during the time period when third instars are predominant in the field are likely to increase control efficacy. According to our laboratory assays, H. bacteriophora and H. megidis appear to be the most promising candidates for testing in the field.