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Disarming the glucosinolate-myrosinase system in the cabbage aphid - consequences for tritrophic interactions

Reference	P17268
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr John Rossiter
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Michael Copland, Dr Glen Powell
Institution	Imperial College London
Department	Biological Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	98,176
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/11/2002
End date	01/11/2004
Duration	24 months

Abstract

A myrosinase enzyme has recently been localised in the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) and the gene cloned. We propose to investigate the role of the enzyme as part of the insect's chemical defence system and its potential for exploitation. A potent myrosinase inhibitor (2-F-2-deoxyallylglucosinolate) will be fed aphids to disarm their plant-derived glucosinolate-based defences against predators. The effectiveness of disarming this defence mechanisms will be investigated by analysing volatile emissions during attack by aphid natural enemies. Combining the inhibitor with deuterated allylglucosinolate will volatiles from plant and insect origins to be discriminated. These approaches will be accompanied by studies of insect performance and behaviour, to examine the impact of aphid myrosinase on tritrophic interactions.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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