Hyphantria cunea feeding behavior and survivorship is strongly inhibited by Ailanthus altissima

The anti-herbivory properties of Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) leaf tissue were investigated through larval feeding experiments conducted on Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm), a generalist herbivore that feeds on a variety of deciduous trees including Juglans nigra (black walnut), Prunus serotina (black cherry), and Morus rubra (red mulberry). Choice larval feeding studies using fresh Ailanthus altissima, Juglans nigra, and Prunus serotina leaf tissue showed a clear avoidance of Ailanthus altissima leaf tissue as demonstrated by reduced consumption. Forced larval feeding studies conducted in the same manner confirmed the anti-herbivory properties of Ailanthus altissima as indicated by 5 % mean leaf consumption of Ailanthus with a 19% larval mortality rate, as opposed to 80 % mean leaf consumption with a 0% mortality rate for the other tree species. Forced larval feeding studies using fresh Juglans nigra leaves coated with water soluble Ailanthus leaf extract exhibited a 60% mean mortality rate as opposed to a 2% mean mortality rate in untreated J. nigra leaves. Experiments regarding the anti-herbivory properties of Ailanthus on other Lepitoptera species are in progress. In addition, we are currently investigating the biochemical characteristics of the anti-herbivory components in Ailanthus leaf tissue.