Influence of Cucurbitacin Content in Cotyledons of Cucurbitaceae Cultivars upon Feeding Behavior of Diabroticina Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

Nineteen species and 46 cultivars of Cucurbita, Cucumis, and Citrullus were analyzed for seedling cucurbitacin (Cuc) content by Diabrotica feeding on thin-layer chromatography extracts. Seedlings, leaves, and fruits were monitored for damage in the field by Diabroticina. Beetle damage to the mature leaf and fruit was unrelated to seedling Cuc content or feeding damage. The information is of value in selecting resistant varieties of Cucurbitaceae cultivars for integrated pest management programs. A new analytical procedure for cucurbitacins using high-pressure liquid chromatography is described.