Effects of Foliar Phenolics and Ascorbic Acid on Performance of the Gypsy Moth (Lymantria Dispar)

Authors

Sherry K. Roth
Richard L. Lindroth
Michael E. Montgomery

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Biochemical Systematics and Ecology

Volume

22

Issue

4

First Page

341

Last Page

351

Publication Date

1994

Abstract

We investigated the potential for interactive effects between foliar ascorbic acid and phenolics on performance of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). In our first study, feeding bioassays with neonate larvae and fourth instars were used to examine larval performance on five host species in relation to concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolics. In a second study, we supplemented leaves with ascorbic acid and phenolics to assess both direct and interactive effects on fourth instars. Results revealed that gypsy moth performances (e.g. growth, development rates) varied significantly across host species and in relation to phenolic compounds in aspen. Ascorbic acid, however, neither directly nor indirectly (via interaction with phenolics) influenced larval performance.

Recommended Citation

Roth, Sherry K. 1994. Effects of Foliar Phenolics and Ascorbic Acid on Performance of the Gypsy Moth (Lymantria Dispar). Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 22 (4): 341-351.