An Analysis of Physiological Changes and Spectral Characteristics of Platanus occidentalis Leaves Infested by Corythucha ciliata (SAY) (Hemiptera:Tingidae)

Abstract

Since its infestation was first discovered in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in October 2006, Corythurcha ciliata has become an important piercing-sucking pest of Platanus occidentalis. In this paper, the content of secondary plant products, nutrients, and resistance enzymes in damaged leaves of P. occidentalis was determined, and the leaves infested by different numbers of adults (0 head, 1–3 heads, or >7 heads) were tested via spectrum analysis. The results showed that the tannin content of the damaged leaves was 1.47 mg/100 g, which was higher than that of the undamaged leaves (1.20 mg/g). The tannin content in the control poplar (Populus × euramericana cv.‘74/76’) leaves was 0.2 mg/100 g higher than that in damaged leaves. The soluble sugar content in intact leaves of P. occidentalis (1.35 mg/100 g) was significantly higher than that of damaged leaves and poplar leaves. C. ciliata feeding can induce an increase in defense enzymes, such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase, in host leaves. In the west and south part of the crown, 580–680 nm is a sensitive band for monitoring C. ciliata. The results of this study can be used to reveal the host-selection mechanism of C. ciliata and to explore new infestation-monitoring technologies.