An influential meal: host plant dependent transcriptional variation in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

To understand the genetic mechanisms of insect herbivory, the transcriptional response of insects feeding on different host plant species has to be studied. Here, we generated gene expression data of the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) feeding on three selected host plant species and a control (artificial diet). The host plant species used in this study -cabbage (Brassica oleracea), maize (Zea mays) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)- are members of different plant families that each employ specific defence mechanisms and toxins.

Results

Spodoptera exigua larvae had a higher growth rate, indicator for herbivore success, when feeding on Z. mays compared to larvae feeding on B. oleracea or N. tabacum. Larvae feeding on the different host plant species s

SUBMITTER: Breeschoten T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6854893 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature