Changes in terpenoids emission of cotton plant infested by invasive mealybugs, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

Abstract

The terpenoids emission of cotton plants were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively under laboratory condition with the treatments of mechanical wounding (MW), salicylic acid inducement (SA), short-term mealybugs injury (S-MF), and long-term mealybugs injury (L-MF). The results showed that total 5 kinds of terpenoids were qualitatively identified, including α-Pinene, β-Pinene, (+)-Longifolene, (-)-alpha- (SG), and Cedrene. The infestation by the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis elicited the Cedrene and (+)-Longifolene, and increased significantly the emission of α-Pinene, β-Pinene, and (-) -alpha- (SG). The treatments of MW and SA also increase partly the emission of α-Pinene, β-Pinene, and (-)-alpha- (SG). These results provide an important scientific basis for the biological control of P. solenopsis with the rational use of herbivore-induced plant volatiles.