Genetic variations in a population of herbivorous mites Tetranychus urticae in the production of the induced volatiles by kidney bean plants

Abstract

This study tested whether a population of herbivorous mites Tetranychus urticae exhibits genetic variation in the production of induced plant volatiles in kidney bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). We selected two T. urticae genotypes based on their dispersal behavior (early- and late-disperser) in two plant lines (Line-1 and Line-2). In both lines, plants infested by the early-disperser produced large amounts of induced volatiles after the spider mite population peaked on the plants, whereas those infested by the late-disperser emitted the largest amount of induced volatiles at the population peak. The possible manipulation of the production of herbivore-induced plant volatiles by herbivores is discussed. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.