Abstract
Main conclusion
Our results indicate caterpillars and aphids cause similar levels of induced defences and resistance against caterpillars in wild cotton plants. These symmetrical effects are not consistent with patterns predicted by plant defensive signaling crosstalk and call for further work addressing the biochemical mechanisms underpinning these results.
Abstract
Plant-induced responses to attack often mediate interactions between different species of insect herbivores. These effects are predicted to be contingent on the herbivore’s feeding guild, whereby prior feeding by insects should negatively impact subsequent feeding by insects of the same guild (induced resistance) but may positively influence insects of a different guild (induced susceptibility) due to interfering crosstalk between plant biochemical pathways specific to each feeding guild. We compared the effects of prior feeding by leaf-chewing caterpillars (Spodoptera frugiperda) vs. sap-sucking aphids (Aphis gossypii) on induced defences in wild cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and the consequences of these attacks on subsequently feeding caterpillars (S. frugiperda). To this end, we conducted a greenhouse experiment where cotton plants were either left undamaged or first exposed to caterpillar or aphid feeding, and we subsequently placed caterpillars on the plants to assess their performance. We also collected leaves to assess the induction of chemical defences in response to herbivory. We found that prior feeding by both aphids and caterpillars resulted in reductions in consumed leaf area, caterpillar mass gain, and caterpillar survival compared with control plants. Concomitantly, prior aphid and caterpillar herbivory caused similar increases in phenolic compounds (flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids) and defensive terpenoids (hemigossypolone) compared with control plants. Overall, these findings indicate that these insects confer a similar mode and level of induced resistance in wild cotton plants, calling for further work addressing the biochemical mechanisms underpinning these effects.
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Data availability
The data generated or analysed during this study are not included in this article but can be made available as per request.
Change history
28 January 2024
A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-024-04344-y
Abbreviations
- JA:
-
Jasmonic acid
- SA:
-
Salicylic acid
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Acknowledgements
We thank A. Vallat for help with running samples with the HPLC. In addition, Nicolás Salinas, Emiliano Sosa, Alexander Suárez, Biiniza Pérez, Martha Reyes, and Diego Angulo provided assistance in the field. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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This study was in part supported by funds from the Swiss Science Foundation awarded to TCJT (315230_185319), two grants from the Spanish National Research Council (COOPA20477 and INCGL20004) to XM and LAR, and a grant from the Regional Government of Galicia (IN607D 2016/001) to XM.
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TQM, LAR, and XM conceived the ideas and designed the methodology; TQM collected the data; TQM and LAR analysed the data; TQM, USR, MM, MC, MF, and CBS performed the chemical analyses; and TQM, LAR, and XM wrote the manuscript. All authors contributed critically to the drafts and gave final approval for publication.
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Quijano-Medina, T., Interian-Aguiñaga, J., Solís-Rodríguez, U. et al. Aphid and caterpillar feeding drive similar patterns of induced defences and resistance to subsequent herbivory in wild cotton. Planta 258, 113 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-023-04266-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-023-04266-1