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J Chem Ecol

Title:		Host suitability affects odor association in Cotesia marginiventris: implications in generalist parasitoid host-finding
Author(s):		Harris CM; Ruberson JR; Meagher R; Tumlinson JH;
Address:		"Chemical Ecology Laboratory, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2012
Volume:		20120322
Issue:		4
Page Number:		340 - 347
DOI:		10.1007/s10886-012-0095-9
ISSN/ISBN:		1573-1561 (Electronic) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Insect herbivores often induce plant volatile compounds that can attract natural enemies. Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a generalist parasitoid wasp of noctuid caterpillars and is highly attracted to Spodoptera exigua-induced plant volatiles. The plasticity of C. marginiventris associative learning to volatile blends of various stimuli, such as host presence, also has been shown, but little is known about how this generalist parasitoid distinguishes between host species of varying suitability. Spodoptera exigua is an excellent host that yields high parasitoid emergence, while Trichoplusia ni serves as a sub-optimal host species due to high pre-imaginal wasp mortality. We have found that S. exigua and T. ni induce different volatile blends while feeding on cotton. Here, wind tunnel flight assays were used to determine the importance of differentially induced volatiles in host-finding by C. marginiventris. We found that, while this generalist parasitoid wasp can distinguish between the two discrete volatile blends when presented concurrently, a positive oviposition experience on the preferred host species (S. exigua) is more important than host-specific volatile cues in eliciting flight behavior towards plants damaged by either host species. Furthermore, wasps with oviposition experience on both host species did not exhibit a deterioration in positive flight behavior, suggesting that oviposition in the sub-optimal host species (T. ni) does not cause aversive odor association"
Keywords:		"Animals Behavior, Animal Female Flight, Animal Herbivory Host Specificity *Host-Parasite Interactions Lepidoptera/*parasitology *Odorants Oviposition Species Specificity Volatile Organic Compounds/chemistry Wasps/*physiology;"
Notes:		"MedlineHarris, Christina M Ruberson, John R Meagher, Robert Tumlinson, James H eng 2012/03/23 J Chem Ecol. 2012 Apr; 38(4):340-7. doi: 10.1007/s10886-012-0095-9. Epub 2012 Mar 22"