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Survey of a Salivary Effector in Caterpillars: Glucose Oxidase Variation and Correlation with Host Range

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Abstract

Salivary glucose oxidase (GOX) has been reported in a few insect species where it plays a role in protection against infectious disease. Our recent research has focused on the role of this salivary enzyme in the noctuid Helicoverpa zea, where it functions as an effector to suppress the induced defenses of the host plant Nicotiana tabacum. In this study, we examined the labial gland GOX activities in 23 families of Lepidoptera (85 species) and two families of plant-feeding Hymenoptera (three species). We analyzed the relationship between host breadth and GOX activities, and we found a significant relationship, where highly polyphagous species were more likely to possess relatively high levels of GOX compared to species with more limited host range. We also examined the effect of diet on GOX activity and found that the host plant had a significant effect on enzyme activity. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to caterpillar host breadth.

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Acknowledgements

We thank R.V. Barbehenn, M.C. Buxton, L. Day, K.H. Haynes, B. Lewis, G. Musick, B. Oppert, D.C. Steinkraus, A.M. Simmons, and S.Y. Young, A. Zangerl for supplying caterpillars. We received financial aid from the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Fund of the American Museum of Natural History, National Science Foundation, USDA-NRI 2005–35607-15242 and USDA-AFRI 2010-65105-20639.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pioneeer Hi-Bred International Crop Genetics Research and Development, Johnston, IA, 50131, USA

    Herb Eichenseer

  2. Department of Entomology, University of Arkansas, 321 Agriculture Building, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    M. C. Mathews

  3. Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97202, USA

    Jaimie S. Powell

  4. Department of Entomology, Center for Chemical Ecology, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Gary W. Felton

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  1. Herb Eichenseer
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  2. M. C. Mathews
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Correspondence to Gary W. Felton.

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Eichenseer, H., Mathews, M.C., Powell, J.S. et al. Survey of a Salivary Effector in Caterpillars: Glucose Oxidase Variation and Correlation with Host Range. J Chem Ecol 36, 885–897 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-010-9830-2

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