This research examines plant gene expression resulting from herbivory by insects with different feeding modes on three economically important host plants—maize, tomato, and bean. I will focus on two generalist herbivores, H. zea (Corn earworm/Tomato fruitworm) and Bemisia tabaci (Sweetpotato whitefly) that feed on maize, tomato, and bean, and the specialist herbivores, Diatraea grandiosella, (Southwestern corn borer), Manduca spp. (Tobacco/Tomato hornworm), and E. varivestis (Mexican bean beetle) which feed on maize, tomato, and bean, respectively. The feeding behavior of these insect species differs in the amount and type of plant damage caused, and their salivary compounds differ as well. For example, chewing insects often cause gross damage to plant tissue and stimulate jasmonate-mediated wound signals. While piercing/sucking insects insert their stylets into the phloem tissue, stimulating the salicylic-acid mediated defense signals. We will describe cDNA microarrays (genetic response) experiments performed.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Noctuidae Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm)
Species 2: Homoptera Aleyrodidae Bemisia (whitefly)
Species 3: (maize, tomato)
Keywords: induced resistance, microarrays
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