ENGLISH VERSION

ZESZYT 382

Occurrence of Acrobasis advenella (Zinck.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Phycitinae) on black chokeberry in Poland and its biochemical interaction with host plants
zeszyt 302, ss. 121

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of Aronia melanocarpa infestation by Acrobasis advenella caterpillars in Poland and to compare this phytophagous species occurrence on three host plants species. The host plant suitability for A. advenella depending on chemical composition of host plants and hosts influence on selected population parameters were determinated. The objective was also the separation of biologically active compounds participating in plant – insect interactions, as well as an assessment of A. advenella caterpillars feeding influence in A. melanocarpa inflorescences on chemical composition of black chokeberry fruits.

Three plant species were taken into account in the study: A. melanocarpa, Crataegus monogyna and Sorbus aucuparia. Immature fruits being a place of eggs laying by the females, and inflorescences as the caterpillars food, were subject to chemical analysis. The inflorescences were subjected to biochemical analysis in two terms, taking into account initial and final period of the insect feeding. Chemical composition of black chokeberry fruits was examined in the phase of harvest maturity. The results of the study demonstrated that A. advenella infested A. melanocarpa shrubs on the whole Poland area and occured with a low intensity. Over 50% of plantations was infested by the pest at the lowest degree (0.1–7.4%). The highest infestation of A. advenella caterpillars was noted on A. melanocarpa and S. aucuparia. The obtained results allowed to conclude, that the differences in particular host plant species infestation could have resulted from differentiated chemical composition. S. aucuparia was a suitable host plant. It was demonstrated by the high percentage infestation of inflorescences by caterpillars, and their higher development rate, the best biometric parameters of second instar caterpillars (L2) and their low mortality. High acceptance of the plant species was conditioned by the high content of nutrients (especially sugars, including fructose, glucose and sucrose) in the whole period of caterpillars feeding, with concurrent low concentration of tannins and phenolic acids. A. advenella females also preferred this plant species. Their oviposition was stimulated by high sugar content and rich composition of essential oils present in immature fruits of S. aucuparia. High infestation of black chokeberry inflorescences by A. advenella caterpillars was a result of a considerable content of fructose and glucose (in an initial period of caterpillars feeding) and sucrose. High mortality of second instar caterpillars feeding on the host inflorescences was conditioned by higher content of tannins and phenolic acids. C. monogyna was a plant species to the lowest degree accepted by A. advenella. This host was characterized by the lowest degree of soluble sugars (sucrose-feeding stimuli) and the lest suitable for caterpillars nitrogen to sugar rate, with concurrently rich composition of phenolic acids. Caterpillars feeding caused induction of defense response of C. monogyna and S. aucuparia, involving an increase in tannins content in S. aucuparia inflorescences, as well as an increase in the content of chlorogenic, α-resorcin, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, ellagic and sinapic acid in C. monogyna tissues. Caterpillars feeding on A. melanocarpa inflorescences caused a decrease of the tannins content and all identified phenolic acids, which proves limited defense possibilities of this plant species against A. advenella caterpillars feeding. Feeding caterpillars in A. melanocarpa inflorescences decreased the sugars, flavonoids and anthocyanins in fruit, which can diminish black chokeberry fruit technological value.

The obtained results are good source of information concerning biochemical response of A. melanocarpa, C. monogyna and S. aucuparaia to A. advenellafeedingand might be the basis for practical application of the allelochemicals present in the examined plant species in order to reduce the A. advenella population.