Leaf Pubescence of Field Grown Wheat: A Deterrent to Oviposition by the Cereal Leaf Beetle

Abstract

Abstract Leaf pubescence, a deterrent to oviposition by the cereal leaf beetle [ Oulema melanopus (L.) Diptera Cecidomyiidae], is being bred into wheats in an attempt to replace insecticides as a means of controlling damage by this insect pest. Experimental wheats ( Triticum aestivum L.) having more than 71 trichomes/mm 2 of flag leaf surface were nonpreferred for oviposition by the cereal leaf beetle compared with Arthur wheat which has 28 trichomes/mm 2 . The leaf pubescence of three Purdue wheats was responsible for over 94% reduction in the number of eggs that were laid by the beetle and the number of leaves damaged by feeding larvae.