Herbivore- and Elicitor-Induced Resistance in Rice to the Rice Water Weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) in the Laboratory and Field

Abstract

Feeding by herbivores can change plants in ways that make them more resistant to subsequent herbivory. Such induced responses are better-studied in a number of model dicots than in rice and other cereals. In a series of greenhouse and field experiments, we assessed the effects of prior herbivory by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and of exogenous applications of jasmonic acid (JA) on the resistance of rice plants to the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Kuschel), the major pest of rice in the United States. Prior feeding by S. frugiperda and treatment of plants with exogenous JA resulted in increases in the resistance of plants to the weevil. Increases in resistance were manifested as reduced numbers of eggs and first-instars associated with armyworm-injured or JA-treated plants relative to control plants. In field experiments, there was a transient but significant reduction in the number of immature L. oryzophilus on JA-treated plants relative to untreated plants. To our knowledge, this is the first example of direct induced resistance in rice demonstrated in small-plot field experiments. We discuss the potential for the use of elicitor induced resistance in rice.

Induced Jasmonate Signaling Leads to Contrasting Effects on Root Damage and Herbivore Performance

“…The dramatic plant-mediated effect of MeJA on rice water weevil larval survival indicates the potential of defense elicitors to control one of the most important global rice pests (Hamm et al, 2010). Clearly, manipulation of the jasmonate response before the onset of herbivore attack could result in a significant increase of plant resistance that goes beyond the root herbivoryinduced response.…”

“…First, the COI1 mutant of Arabidopsis was found to be more susceptible to fungus gnats (Bradysia impatiens), which feed on leaves, roots, and detritus (McConn et al, 1997). Second, the application of JA and MeJA reduced rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus) oviposition and larval numbers feeding on rice (Oryza sativa; Hamm et al, 2010), pupation rates of cabbage fly (Delia radicum) larvae feeding on broccoli (Brassica oleracea ssp. italica; Pierre et al, 2012), and numbers of phyllorexa (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) eggs on grape (Vitis vinifera) vine roots.…”

Herbivore- and Elicitor- Induced Resistance in Groundnut to Asian armyworm,Spodoptera litura(Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Furthermore, the induction of resistance by elicitors such as JA and salicylic acid has raised the possibility of using induced resistance to insects for pest management. [14][15][16][17] Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop throughout the world. It is cultivated on 23.4 million ha globally with annual production of 34.9 million metric tons and an average yield of 1.5 tonsha -1 .…”

Rice Planthoppers

“…In response to BPH infestation, rice plants release volatiles that attracts egg parasitoid Anugrus nilaparvatae (Lou et al 2005a) and enhance the susceptibility of rice to WBPH (Zhao et al 2001). Prior feeding by Spodoptera frugiperda or jasmonic acid (JA) treatment increases resistance in rice to the water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, a root-damaging herbivore (Hamm et al 2010). Moreover, plants treated with JA significantly reduce number of immature L. oryzophilus relative to untreated plants.…”