Projects / Programmes
Determination of interactions between hop flea beetle (psylliodes attenuatus koch) and host plants
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B390 |
Biomedical sciences |
Phytotechny, horticulture, crop protection, phytopathology |
| P310 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Proteins, enzymology |
hop flea beetle, hop, interactions, secondary metabolites
Researchers (7)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
During the evolution plants and insects have developed a specific system of communication. This communication is a dynamic process and goes both ways. Orientation and attraction of insects includes mechanical as well as chemoreceptive perceptions. Volatile compounds, which are emitted by plants, are frequently synthesized as a response to injuries. Knowledge on biochemical background of these interactions provides a valuable tool in effective control of the pest population. Hop flea beetle (Psylliodes attenuateus Koch) is an important hop (Humulus lupulus L.) pest. Beside hops a hemp (Canabis sativa L.) and a nettle (Urtica dioica L.) are also considered as potential host plants. Also hop flea beetle is known for its high specificity in choosing host plants. Likewise other related flea beetles which feed on Cruciferous plants, these interactions with host plants are related to a specific group of secondary metabolites - namely to glucosinolates. They are responsible; not only for attraction, but also for feeding of these flea beetles. So far, the question of the identity of the group of the secondary metabolites that could play this role in all of the three potential host plants of hop flea beetle remains unanswered. Potential candidates could be also particular phenolic compounds. Prenilation of flavonoids is limited only to some plant families among which also those all 3 already mentioned host plants belong to. Knowledge on the crucial enzymes in the synthesis of these phenolic compounds could help in ecologically more acceptable pest control. Once Slovenia joins EU, Canabis sativa L. is expected to get the allowance for being grown. So, hop flea beetle is expected to become an important pest for this cultivar plant as well. The damage caused by this pest is not just poorer quality and yield of harvest, additionally, because of its feeding on leaves, damaged plants will be more exposed to secondary infections. We believe that acquired knowledge from this research results would find its application in preparation of traps with attractants, use of repellents, choosing of more suitable cultivars, breeding endeavors and adoption of more suitable agro technical measures and ecologically more acceptable hop safety control.
