Host plant recognition by the root feeding clover weevil, 'Sitona lepidus' (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Title
Host plant recognition by the root feeding clover weevil, 'Sitona lepidus' (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Publication Date
2004
Author(s)
Johnson, S N
Gregory, P J
Murray, P J
Zhang, X
Young, Iain
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1079/BER2004317
UNE publication id
une:5695
Abstract
This study investigated the ability of neonatal larvae of the root-feeding weevil, 'Sitona lepidus' Gyllenhal, to locate white clover 'Trifolium repens' L. (Fabaceae) roots growing in soil and to distinguish them from the roots of other species of clover and a co-occurring grass species. Choice experiments used a combination of invasive techniques and the novel technique of high resolution X-ray microtomography to non-invasively track larval movement in the soil towards plant roots. Burrowing distances towards roots of different plant species were also examined. Newly hatched 'S. lepidus' recognized 'T. repens' roots and moved preferentially towards them when given a choice of roots of subterranean clover, 'Trifolium subterraneum' L. (Fabaceae), strawberry clover 'Trifolium fragiferum' L. (Fabaceae), or perennial ryegrass 'Lolium perenne' L. (Poaceae). Larvae recognized 'T. repens' roots, whether released in groups of five or singly, when released 25 mm (meso-scale recognition) or 60 mm (macro-scale recognition) away from plant roots. There was no statistically significant difference in movement rates of larvae.
Link
Citation
Bulletin of Entomological Research, v.94, p. 433-439
ISSN
1475-2670
0007-4853
Start page
433
End page
439

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