Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 9 May 1997:
Vol. 276. no. 5314, pp. 945 - 949
DOI: 10.1126/science.276.5314.945
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Reports

An Elicitor of Plant Volatiles from Beet Armyworm Oral Secretion

H. T. Alborn, T. C. J. Turlings, * T. H. Jones, G. Stenhagen, J. H. Loughrin, dagger J. H. Tumlinson ddagger

The compound N-(17-hydroxylinolenoyl)-L-glutamine (named here volicitin) was isolated from oral secretions of beet armyworm caterpillars. When applied to damaged leaves of corn seedlings, volicitin induces the seedlings to emit volatile compounds that attract parasitic wasps, natural enemies of the caterpillars. Mechanical damage of the leaves, without application of this compound, did not trigger release of the same blend of volatiles. Volicitin is a key component in a chain of chemical signals and biochemical processes that regulate tritrophic interactions among plants, insect herbivores, and natural enemies of the herbivores.

H. T. Alborn, T. C. J. Turlings, J. H. Loughrin, J. H. Tumlinson, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
T. H. Jones, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450, USA.
G. Stenhagen, Department of Organic Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
*   Present address: University of Neuchatel, Institute of Zoology, CH-2007 Neuchatel, Switzerland.

dagger    Present address: Community Research Service, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA.

ddagger    To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: tumlnsn{at}nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu

Read the Full Text


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Different Lepidopteran Elicitors Account for Cross-Talk in Herbivory-Induced Phytohormone Signaling.
C. Diezel, C. C. von Dahl, E. Gaquerel, and I. T. Baldwin (2009)
Plant Physiology 150, 1576-1586
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Chemical and Molecular Ecology of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles: Proximate Factors and Their Ultimate Functions.
G.-i. Arimura, K. Matsui, and J. Takabayashi (2009)
Plant Cell Physiol. 50, 911-923
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphigidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. VIII. An Unbiased GCxGC-ToFMS Analysis of the Plant's Elicited Volatile Emissions.
E. Gaquerel, A. Weinhold, and I. T. Baldwin (2009)
Plant Physiology 149, 1408-1423
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Insects had it first: surfactants as a defence against predators.
M. Rostas and K. Blassmann (2009)
Proc R Soc B 276, 633-638
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Phytohormone-based activity mapping of insect herbivore-produced elicitors.
E. A. Schmelz, J. Engelberth, H. T. Alborn, J. H. Tumlinson III, and P. E. A. Teal (2009)
PNAS 106, 653-657
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Indirect Defense Responses to Herbivory in Grasses.
J. Degenhardt (2009)
Plant Physiology 149, 96-102
   Full Text »    PDF »
Active role of fatty acid amino acid conjugates in nitrogen metabolism in Spodoptera litura larvae.
N. Yoshinaga, T. Aboshi, H. Abe, R. Nishida, H. T. Alborn, J. H. Tumlinson, and N. Mori (2008)
PNAS 105, 18058-18063
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
From the Cover: Male-derived butterfly anti-aphrodisiac mediates induced indirect plant defense.
N. E. Fatouros, C. Broekgaarden, G. Bukovinszkine'Kiss, J. J. A. van Loon, R. Mumm, M. E. Huigens, M. Dicke, and M. Hilker (2008)
PNAS 105, 10033-10038
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Caterpillar saliva interferes with induced Arabidopsis thaliana defence responses via the systemic acquired resistance pathway.
M.-H. Weech, M. Chapleau, L. Pan, C. Ide, and J. C. Bede (2008)
J. Exp. Bot. 59, 2437-2448
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Differential transcript accumulation in Cicer arietinum L. in response to a chewing insect Helicoverpa armigera and defence regulators correlate with reduced insect performance.
A. Singh, I. K. Singh, and P. K. Verma (2008)
J. Exp. Bot. 59, 2379-2392
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Chemical Ecology Special Feature: cis-Jasmone induces Arabidopsis genes that affect the chemical ecology of multitrophic interactions with aphids and their parasitoids.
T. J. A. Bruce, M. C. Matthes, K. Chamberlain, C. M. Woodcock, A. Mohib, B. Webster, L. E. Smart, M. A. Birkett, J. A. Pickett, and J. A. Napier (2008)
PNAS 105, 4553-4558
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Recognition of Herbivory-Associated Molecular Patterns.
A. Mithofer and W. Boland (2008)
Plant Physiology 146, 825-831
   Full Text »    PDF »
Disulfooxy fatty acids from the American bird grasshopper Schistocerca americana, elicitors of plant volatiles.
H. T. Alborn, T. V. Hansen, T. H. Jones, D. C. Bennett, J. H. Tumlinson, E. A. Schmelz, and P. E. A. Teal (2007)
PNAS 104, 12976-12981
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Herbivory Rapidly Activates MAPK Signaling in Attacked and Unattacked Leaf Regions but Not between Leaves of Nicotiana attenuata.
J. Wu, C. Hettenhausen, S. Meldau, and I. T. Baldwin (2007)
PLANT CELL 19, 1096-1122
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Wounding increases salt tolerance in tomato plants: evidence on the participation of calmodulin-like activities in cross-tolerance signalling.
D. A. Capiati, S. M. Pais, and M. T. Tellez-Inon (2006)
J. Exp. Bot. 57, 2391-2400
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Fragments of ATP synthase mediate plant perception of insect attack.
E. A. Schmelz, M. J. Carroll, S. LeClere, S. M. Phipps, J. Meredith, P. S. Chourey, H. T. Alborn, and P. E. A. Teal (2006)
PNAS 103, 8894-8899
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Transcriptomics and functional genomics of plant defence induction by phloem-feeding insects.
G. A. Thompson and F. L. Goggin (2006)
J. Exp. Bot. 57, 755-766
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Wound-induced Oxidative Responses in Mountain Birch Leaves.
T. RUUHOLA and S. YANG (2006)
Ann. Bot. 97, 29-37
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The pathogen causing Dutch elm disease makes host trees attract insect vectors.
G. McLeod, R. Gries, S. H von Reuss, J. E Rahe, R. McIntosh, W. A Konig, and G. Gries (2005)
Proc R Soc B 272, 2499-2503
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
In Situ Modification of Herbivore-Induced Plant Odors: A Novel Approach to Study the Attractiveness of Volatile Organic Compounds to Parasitic Wasps.
M. D'Alessandro and T. C.J. Turlings (2005)
Chem Senses 30, 739-753
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Insect egg deposition induces defence responses in Pinus sylvestris: characterisation of the elicitor.
M. Hilker, C. Stein, R. Schroder, M. Varama, and R. Mumm (2005)
J. Exp. Biol. 208, 1849-1854
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Effects of Feeding Spodoptera littoralis on Lima Bean Leaves. II. Continuous Mechanical Wounding Resembling Insect Feeding Is Sufficient to Elicit Herbivory-Related Volatile Emission.
A. Mithofer, G. Wanner, and W. Boland (2005)
Plant Physiology 137, 1160-1168
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Five Types of Olfactory Receptor Neurons in the Strawberry Blossom Weevil Anthonomus rubi: Selective Responses to Inducible Host-plant Volatiles.
H. Bichao, A.-K. Borg-Karlson, J. Araujo, and H. Mustaparta (2005)
Chem Senses 30, 153-170
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Conserved Transcript Pattern in Response to a Specialist and a Generalist Herbivore.
P. Reymond, N. Bodenhausen, R. M.P. Van Poecke, V. Krishnamurthy, M. Dicke, and E. E. Farmer (2004)
PLANT CELL 16, 3132-3147
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
High Genetic Variability of Herbivore-Induced Volatile Emission within a Broad Range of Maize Inbred Lines.
T. Degen, C. Dillmann, F. Marion-Poll, and T. C.J. Turlings (2004)
Plant Physiology 135, 1928-1938
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Biochemical crypsis in the avoidance of natural enemies by an insect herbivore.
C. M. De Moraes and M. C. Mescher (2004)
PNAS 101, 8993-8997
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Plasma Membrane Protein from Zea mays Binds with the Herbivore Elicitor Volicitin.
C. L. Truitt, H.-X. Wei, and P. W. Pare (2004)
PLANT CELL 16, 523-532
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Insect oviposition induces volatile emission in herbaceous plants that attracts egg parasitoids.
S. Colazza, A. Fucarino, E. Peri, G. Salerno, E. Conti, and F. Bin (2004)
J. Exp. Biol. 207, 47-53
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Transcriptional Regulation of Sorghum Defense Determinants against a Phloem-Feeding Aphid.
K. Zhu-Salzman, R. A. Salzman, J.-E. Ahn, and H. Koiwa (2004)
Plant Physiology 134, 420-431
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Nitrogen Deficiency Increases Volicitin-Induced Volatile Emission, Jasmonic Acid Accumulation, and Ethylene Sensitivity in Maize.
E. A. Schmelz, H. T. Alborn, J. Engelberth, and J. H. Tumlinson (2003)
Plant Physiology 133, 295-306
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Rapid biosynthesis of N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine, an elicitor of plant volatiles, by membrane-associated enzyme(s) in Manduca sexta.
C. G. Lait, H. T. Alborn, P. E. A. Teal, and J. H. Tumlinson III (2003)
PNAS 100, 7027-7032
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. VI. Microarray Analysis Reveals That Most Herbivore-Specific Transcriptional Changes Are Mediated by Fatty Acid-Amino Acid Conjugates.
R. Halitschke, K. Gase, D. Hui, D. D. Schmidt, and I. T. Baldwin (2003)
Plant Physiology 131, 1894-1902
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Maize Gene terpene synthase 1 Encodes a Sesquiterpene Synthase Catalyzing the Formation of (E)-beta -Farnesene, (E)-Nerolidol, and (E,E)-Farnesol after Herbivore Damage.
C. Schnee, T. G. Kollner, J. Gershenzon, and J. Degenhardt (2002)
Plant Physiology 130, 2049-2060
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Plant Lipoxygenases. Physiological and Molecular Features.
H. Porta and M. Rocha-Sosa (2002)
Plant Physiology 130, 15-21
   Full Text »    PDF »
The Effects of Abiotic Factors on Induced Volatile Emissions in Corn Plants.
S. P. Gouinguene and T. C.J. Turlings (2002)
Plant Physiology 129, 1296-1307
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Insect egg deposition induces Pinus sylvestris to attract egg parasitoids.
M. Hilker, C. Kobs, M. Varama, and K. Schrank (2002)
J. Exp. Biol. 205, 455-461
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. I. Large-Scale Changes in the Accumulation of Growth- and Defense-Related Plant mRNAs.
D. Hermsmeier, U. Schittko, and I. T. Baldwin (2001)
Plant Physiology 125, 683-700
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. II. Accumulation of Plant mRNAs in Response to Insect-Derived Cues.
U. Schittko, D. Hermsmeier, and I. T. Baldwin (2001)
Plant Physiology 125, 701-710
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. III. Fatty Acid-Amino Acid Conjugates in Herbivore Oral Secretions Are Necessary and Sufficient for Herbivore-Specific Plant Responses.
R. Halitschke, U. Schittko, G. Pohnert, W. Boland, and I. T. Baldwin (2001)
Plant Physiology 125, 711-717
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Ion Channel-Forming Alamethicin Is a Potent Elicitor of Volatile Biosynthesis and Tendril Coiling. Cross Talk between Jasmonate and Salicylate Signaling in Lima Bean.
J. Engelberth, T. Koch, G. Schüler, N. Bachmann, J. Rechtenbach, and W. Boland (2001)
Plant Physiology 125, 369-377
   Abstract »    Full Text »
An herbivore elicitor activates the gene for indole emission in maize.
M. Frey, C. Stettner, P. W. Paré, E. A. Schmelz, J. H. Tumlinson, and A. Gierl (2000)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »
A maize sesquiterpene cyclase gene induced by insect herbivory and volicitin: Characterization of wild-type and mutant alleles.
B. Shen, Z. Zheng, and H. K. Dooner (2000)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Induced Plant Defense Responses against Chewing Insects. Ethylene Signaling Reduces Resistance of Arabidopsis against Egyptian Cotton Worm But Not Diamondback Moth.
H. U. Stotz, B. R. Pittendrigh, J. Kroymann, K. Weniger, J. Fritsche, A. Bauke, and T. Mitchell-Olds (2000)
Plant Physiology 124, 1007-1018
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Polyphenol Oxidase from Hybrid Poplar. Cloning and Expression in Response to Wounding and Herbivory.
C. P. Constabel, L. Yip, J. J. Patton, and M. E. Christopher (2000)
Plant Physiology 124, 285-296
   Abstract »    Full Text »
New roles for cis-jasmone as an insect semiochemical and in plant defense.
M. A. Birkett, C. A. M. Campbell, K. Chamberlain, E. Guerrieri, A. J. Hick, J. L. Martin, M. Matthes, J. A. Napier, J. Pettersson, J. A. Pickett, et al. (2000)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Differential Gene Expression in Response to Mechanical Wounding and Insect Feeding in Arabidopsis.
P. Reymond, H. Weber, M. Damond, and E. E. Farmer (2000)
PLANT CELL 12, 707-720
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Plant Volatiles as a Defense against Insect Herbivores.
P. W. Paré and J. H. Tumlinson (1999)
Plant Physiology 121, 325-332
   Full Text »
Differential Induction of Plant Volatile Biosynthesis in the Lima Bean by Early and Late Intermediates of the Octadecanoid-Signaling Pathway.
T. Koch, T. Krumm, V. Jung, J. Engelberth, and W. Boland (1999)
Plant Physiology 121, 153-162
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Spider Mite-Induced (3S)-(E)-Nerolidol Synthase Activity in Cucumber and Lima Bean. The First Dedicated Step in Acyclic C11-Homoterpene Biosynthesis.
H. J. Bouwmeester, F. W.A. Verstappen, M. A. Posthumus, and M. Dicke (1999)
Plant Physiology 121, 173-180
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Antisense-mediated depletion of a potato lipoxygenase reduces wound induction of proteinase inhibitors and increases weight gain of insect pests.
J. Royo, J. Leon, G. Vancanneyt, J. P. Albar, S. Rosahl, F. Ortego, P. Castanera, and J. J. Sanchez-Serrano (1999)
PNAS 96, 1146-1151
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Concerted biosynthesis of an insect elicitor of plant volatiles.
P. W. Pare, H. T. Alborn, and J. H. Tumlinson (1998)
PNAS 95, 13971-13975
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Induced Responses to Herbivory and Increased Plant Performance.
A. A. Agrawal (1998)
Science 279, 1201-1202
   Abstract »    Full Text »
New roles for cis-jasmone as an insect semiochemical and in plant defense.
M. A. Birkett, C. A. M. Campbell, K. Chamberlain, E. Guerrieri, A. J. Hick, J. L. Martin, M. Matthes, J. A. Napier, J. Pettersson, J. A. Pickett, et al. (2000)
PNAS 97, 9329-9334
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A maize sesquiterpene cyclase gene induced by insect herbivory and volicitin: Characterization of wild-type and mutant alleles.
B. Shen, Z. Zheng, and H. K. Dooner (2000)
PNAS 97, 14807-14812
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
An herbivore elicitor activates the gene for indole emission in maize.
M. Frey, C. Stettner, P. W. Pare, E. A. Schmelz, J. H. Tumlinson, and A. Gierl (2000)
PNAS 97, 14801-14806
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)