Absence of food aversion learning in the polyphagous noctuid, spodoptera litura (F.) following intoxication by deleterious chemicals

TitleAbsence of food aversion learning in the polyphagous noctuid, spodoptera litura (F.) following intoxication by deleterious chemicals
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsGhumare, SS, Mukherjee, SN
JournalJournal of Insect Behavior
Volume18
Issue1
Pagination105-114
Date PublishedJAN
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN0892-7553
Keywordsaversion learning, deleterious chemicals, polyphagy, preference, Spodoptera litura
Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of a deleterious chemical in a preferred host plant could alter the feeding preference of a polyphagous insect. The preference of the Asian armyworm, Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for castor, Ricinus communis (L.) (family: Euphorbiaceae) relative to cabbage, Brassica oleracea (L.) (family: Brassicaceae) was quantified by two separate two-way choice tests (without treatment and with treatment of the test chemicals used in the present study) with naive third instar larvae each time. This was followed, by continuous feeding (48 h) on the preferred host treated with the test chemicals and using naive third instar larvae for conditioning. Each treatment consisted of one of nine compounds, including seven naturally occurring allelochemicals (viz. (-)-alpha-pinene, (-)-beta-pinene, beta-myrcene, D-limonene, cineole, rutin, and ajwain oil) and two synthetic insecticides (viz. alphamethrin and malathion). Following this, a two-way choice test was repeated with the same batch of larvae without any test chemical. Larvae continued to maintain preference for castor despite exposure to the deleterious chemicals. Among the test chemicals, D-limonene and alphamethrin caused significant reduction in growth. Preference for castor was not overcome by exposure to novel deleterious chemicals, suggesting that aversion, though experienced is not learned.

DOI10.1007/s10905-005-9350-z
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)

Foreign

Impact Factor (IF)0.986
Divison category: 
Biochemical Sciences