Induced resistance in rice to oviposition by the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis

Damage by herbivores often causes changes in the expression of plant resistance-related genes and traits, and these changes often result in plants becoming less suitable for subsequent herbivores. In addition, oviposition has been shown to induce resistance in many different host plants. Data from experiments with Diatraea saccharalis have shown that oviposition by females induces resistance in reproductive-stage rice plants to further oviposition by the same species. Induced resistance was observed in three varieties (Cocodrie, Rosemont, Reiho), but not in a fourth variety (M202). This variety-specific response has been observed in over five separate experiments. In Cocodrie, Rosemont, and Reiho, the reduction in oviposition in previously attacked plants relative to control plants ranged between 73% and 86%. In experiments carried out using only M202, plants with egg masses received between 42% and 61% more eggs masses relative to control plants.