Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) reduce secretion of extrafloral nectar in broad bean (Vicia faba)

Abstract

1. Herbivores sometimes suppress plant defences. This study tested whether the presence of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) on broad bean (Vicia faba) led to decreased secretion of extrafloral nectar (EFN) which functions as an indirect plant defence against herbivores. 2. To determine effects of aphid infestation on EFN secretion, a comparison was done between EFN secretion in uninfested plants and that in plants infested by A. pisum and another aphid species (Aphis craccivora Koch). 3. When broad bean plants were infested by A. pisum, they secreted significantly smaller amounts of EFN than did uninfested plants and A. craccivora-infested plants. There was no significant difference in EFN secretion between uninfested plants and A. craccivora-infested plants. The number of extrafloral nectaries did not differ among the three treatments. 4. These results suggest that A. pisum reduced EFN production in broad bean plants.