Genetics of Host Plant Adaptation in Delphacid Planthoppers

Abstract

Delphacid planthoppers, by any measure, are very successful plant-feeding insects. Indications of their success include a worldwide distribution (O’Brien and Wilson 1985), an extensive range of habitats occupied (Denno and Roderick 1990), and status as major agricultural pests (Wilson and O’Brien 1987). Characteristic of most planthoppers is a monophagous feeding habit and a close association with their host plants for feeding, mating, oviposition, and substrate-borne acoustic communication (Wilson et al. Chapter 1). Thus, understanding the factors which promote or constrain adaptation to a particular host plant species or variety is central to explaining patterns of host plant use (e.g., specialization) and deterring their continuing status as major agricultural pests.