Changes in plant responses induced by an arthropod influence the colonization behavior of a subsequent herbivore

BACKGROUND Plants in nature can be sequentially attacked by different arthropod herbivores. Feeding one species may induce plant-defense responses that might affect the performance of a later-arriving herbivorous species. Understanding these interactions help developing pest-management strategies. In tomato, sweet-potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci and two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae are key pests frequently cohabit on same plant. We studied whether colonization either facilitate or impede later tomato plants conspecific heterospecific individuals. RESULTS B. females showed strong preference for increased oviposition previously colonized conspecifics. contrast, infested with T. repelled reduced their rate 86%. Although no between conspecific-infested uninfested plants, we observed 50% reduction number eggs laid plants. Both arthropods up-regulated expression genes involving jasmonic acid abscisic pathways, increasing emissions fatty-acid derivatives, but only related to salicylic pathway total amount phenylpropanoids released. Terpenoids were most abundant compounds volatile blends; many terpenoids emitted at rates, which have influenced arthropods' host selection. CONCLUSION Our results indicate infestation facilitated subsequent infestations conspecifics mites, while promoted herbivore-induced resistance. Based both molecular behavioral findings, novel sustainable strategy is discussed.