Abstract
AbstractBenzoxazinoids are constitutively produced secondary metabolites in maize that protect the plant from the negative effects of insect herbivores. In this study, we determined the effects of benzoxazinoids on the maize specialistDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaand a congeneric generalistDiabrotica undecimpunctata howardi. We compared the survival, growth and development of larvae fed on maize line 428G, which is defective in benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, and H88, the wild‐type parental line of 428G with normal benzoxazinoid production. There were no negative effects of benzoxazinoids on survival, growth and development of either western corn rootworm or southern corn rootworm. Western corn rootworms gained more weight than southern corn rootworms when feeding on benzoxazinoid‐containing corn. Our results support the hypothesis that specialist and generalist insects respond distinctly to benzoxazinoids.
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