INTERACTION BETWEEN DIABROTICA VIRGIFERA VIRGIFERA AND HOST PLANTS DETERMINED BY FEEDING BEHAVIOR AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION.

The western maize rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Le Conte) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is the one of the most dangerous maize pest as in the USA and Europe. This invasive species exhibits different feeding behaviours in different ecosystems and geographical areas. Though the immature stages of this pest are relatively stationary, feeding only on the roots of the maize, the adults may migrate considerable distances and feed on different host plants. The aim of the study was to identify the profile of plant chemicals that was attractive to adults and rank their preferences. Using specially constructed cages, the insects were fed with known and potential host plants. The following substances were quantified in samples of plants (3×20) and insects (3×10): glucose, fructose, caffeic acid, quercetin, flavone rutoside, total phenols, antioxidant activity, lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids. We found that only five main species plants were consumed by the insects (Cucurbita pepo, Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max, Zea mays and Helianthus annuus). Other plants were consumed; however, the statistical results were not significant. Small-scale investigations, as in this study, are important to better understand the possible adaptations of this insect on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]