Inhibition of feeding by a generalist insect due to increased volatile leaf terpenes under nitrate-limiting conditions

Abstract

Nitrogen-limited plants ofHeterotheca subaxillaris accumulate greater quantities of leaf volatile terpenes than do nitrogen-rich plants. A series of feeding trials were performed to determine if such nitrate-limited plants are better defended against generalist-feeding insect herbivores. Soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens) larvae were fed leaves fromH. subaxillaris rosettes grown under high and low nitrate supply regimes. Larval consumption, growth, and survival declined as the leaf volatile terpene content increased. Larval consumption and growth were enhanced by higher plant nitrate supply and with increasing leafage. The results suggest that the higher quantity of volatile terpenes in the leaves of nitrate-limited plants may better defend these leaves against generalist-feeding insects.