Abstract
Eucommia ulmoides is a small tree that has evolved strong pest resistance. This study investigated the mechanism of this resistance by evaluating pest damage and antifeedant activity of the secondary metabolite gutta-percha. In the field, E. ulmoides displayed an average plant resistance of 93.3%, with most damage confined to leaves. We assessed the effects of gutta-percha as a feeding deterrent against Hyphantria cunea and Anoplophora glabripennis larvae by mixing it into or daubing it onto the surface of artificial diets. Diets containing more than 6% gutta-percha significantly reduced the amount of feeding by A. glabripennis larvae and the body length of H. cunea larvae. In addition, approximately 95% of the artificial diet was not consumed compared to the control without gutta-percha. The content, distribution, properties, and dynamics of gutta-percha in E. ulmoides indicate that gutta-percha may function as a physical-chemical barrier against insect pests.
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