Relationship between adult oviposition preference and larval performance of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

Abstract

Unraveling the relationship between adult oviposition preference and offspring performance is central to understanding the evolution of plant-insect interactions. In the present study, we collated previously reported data, including our own, of adult oviposition preference and offspring performance of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, on various wild and cultivated crucifer plants, and did correlation analysis between the two. Intrinsic rate of increase, pupal weight and fecundity of the ensuing adults were regarded as an indicator of larval performance of P. xylostella among 18 species of wild and cultivated host plants. Adult preference was estimated as the relative number of eggs laid on the plants by P. xylostella in a twochoice test or similar tests. Adult oviposition preference and larval performance of P. xylostella were positively related, so at least for undamaged (not induced) plants mother appears to know best.

The Life History Traits of the Arctiine MothPareuchaetes insulata, a Biological Control Agent ofChromolaena odoratain South Africa

“…As is evident from our study, pupal mass provides a good estimate of individual fecundity in many insects, including Lepidoptera (e.g. Doak 2000;Zhang et al 2012). Czypionka & Hill (2007) suggested that this relationship could be used as an index to judge the suitability of an insect (in terms of its reproductive potential) for the biological control of an invasive alien weed.…”

Trichome production and variation in young plant resistance to the specialist insect herbivore Plutella xylostella among natural populations of Arabidopsis lyrata

“…Variation in resistance to herbivores among A. lyrata natural populations may be maintained by spatial variation in selection exerted by herbivores and other environmental factors. Additionally, the positive relationship holds mostly for intact and un-induced plants; once plants are pre-infested, this relationship is less predictable (Zhang et al, 2012). Furthermore, in a recent study, regional variation across the northwestern European range of A. lyrata in morphology and life history was significantly correlated with levels of herbivory (Vergeer & Kunin, 2011); and herbivores certainly have the potential to exert selection because leaf damage can significantly reduce fitness in A. lyrata (Puentes & Agren, 2012).…”

“…In addition to rosette size, other unmeasured traits are likely to have influenced variation in resistance to oviposition and larval feeding by P. xylostella among young A. lyrata plants from different populations. Adult oviposition preference and larval performance tend to be positively correlated in P. xylostella across a wide range of cultivated and wild hosts (Zhang et al, 2012), although there are exceptions (Handley et al, 2005;Akiyama, 2011). The intensity of insect herbivory varies among populations in the Scandinavian range .…”

Trichobaris weevils distinguish amongst toxic host plants by sensing volatiles that do not affect larval performance

“…; Zhang et al . ). However, many other studies have revealed that adult choice and offspring performance are frequently poorly correlated (Jallow & Zalucki ; Brodbeck et al .…”