Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.

Among the many topics of interest to ecologists studying associations between phytophagous insects and their host plants are the influence of natal host plant on future oviposition decisions and the mechanisms of generalist versus specialist host selection behavior. In this study, we examined the ov...

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Main Authors: Sean M Prager, Isaac Esquivel, John T Trumble
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2014-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094047
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author Sean M Prager
Isaac Esquivel
John T Trumble
author_facet Sean M Prager
Isaac Esquivel
John T Trumble
author_sort Sean M Prager
collection DOAJ
description Among the many topics of interest to ecologists studying associations between phytophagous insects and their host plants are the influence of natal host plant on future oviposition decisions and the mechanisms of generalist versus specialist host selection behavior. In this study, we examined the oviposition preferences, behavior and larval development of the tomato/potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli. By rearing psyllids with two distinct geographically-linked haplotypes on different host plants, we were able to examine the role of natal host plant and potential local adaptation on host plant usage. Choice bioassays among three host species demonstrated that psyllids from California had clear preferences that were influenced by natal plant. We further found that patterns in choice bioassays corresponded to observed feeding and movement responses. No-choice bioassays demonstrated that there is little to no association between development and host-plant choice for oviposition, while also indicating that host choice varies between haplotypes. These findings support the concept that mothers do not always choose oviposition sites optimally and also add support for the controversial Hopkins' host selection principle.
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spelling doaj-art-a47187010ddd44959ab0d4d35826d0ba2025-08-20T03:44:38ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032014-01-0194e9404710.1371/journal.pone.0094047Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.Sean M PragerIsaac EsquivelJohn T TrumbleAmong the many topics of interest to ecologists studying associations between phytophagous insects and their host plants are the influence of natal host plant on future oviposition decisions and the mechanisms of generalist versus specialist host selection behavior. In this study, we examined the oviposition preferences, behavior and larval development of the tomato/potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli. By rearing psyllids with two distinct geographically-linked haplotypes on different host plants, we were able to examine the role of natal host plant and potential local adaptation on host plant usage. Choice bioassays among three host species demonstrated that psyllids from California had clear preferences that were influenced by natal plant. We further found that patterns in choice bioassays corresponded to observed feeding and movement responses. No-choice bioassays demonstrated that there is little to no association between development and host-plant choice for oviposition, while also indicating that host choice varies between haplotypes. These findings support the concept that mothers do not always choose oviposition sites optimally and also add support for the controversial Hopkins' host selection principle.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094047
spellingShingle Sean M Prager
Isaac Esquivel
John T Trumble
Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
PLoS ONE
title Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
title_full Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
title_fullStr Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
title_full_unstemmed Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
title_short Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli.
title_sort factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in bactericera cockerelli
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094047
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