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Isoprene emissions influence herbivore feeding decisions

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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2008
<mark>Journal</mark>Plant, Cell and Environment
Issue number10
Volume31
Number of pages6
Pages (from-to)1410-1415
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Isoprene (C5H8, 2-methyl 1,3-butadiene) is synthesized and emitted by many, but not all, plants. Unlike other related volatile organic compounds (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), isoprene has not been shown to mediate plant-herbivore interactions. Here, for the first time, we show, in feeding choice tests using isoprene-emitting transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun) and non-emitting azygous control plants, that isoprene deters Manduca sexta caterpillars from feeding. This avoidance behaviour was confirmed using an artificial (isoprene-emitting and non-emitting control) diet. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that isoprene can activate feeding avoidance behaviour in this system with a dose-response effect on caterpillar behaviour and an isoprene emission threshold level of < 6 nmol m(-2) s(-1).