Abstract
It has been suggested that previous infection by a vascular fungus causes induced resistance against two-spotted spider mites. To test the generality of this phenomenon, a series of experiments was carried out using two lines of tomato, differing only in resistance againstFusarium. In addition, tests were done in order to see whether the defense response against the fungus also affects the phytophagous mite directly. Inoculation of tomato plants with a vascular fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.lycopersici race 1) prior to infestation with spider mites caused a decrease in the rate of oviposition of two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) on aFusarium-susceptible line, but only when plants were moderately to severely wilted. Spider mite oviposition did not change significantly of a previously inoculatedFusarium-resistant line.
AsFusarium causes vascular occlusion and wilting of the plants, drought stress was experimentally induced to determine its influence on the reduction of oviposition. Drought caused a significant reduction in spider mite oviposition. We conclude that the effect of previousFusarium-inoculation on spider mite oviposition is primarily due to the fungus affecting the quality of the host plant (including the effect it may have on the composition of defensive compounds), rather than due to the stimulation of the defense system of the plant. SinceFusarium seals off the xylem vessels, thereby causing wilting of susceptible plants, the reduction in mite oviposition may well be due to drought stress in the leaves, rather than due to the production of phytoalexins.
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Jongebloed, P.H.J., Elgersma, D.M. & Sabelis, M.W. Does a vascular fungus of tomato induce a defence response or a change in host plant quality that also affects the oviposition of spider mites?. Exp Appl Acarol 16, 227–236 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01193805
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01193805