Abstract
Changes in the activity of lysine decarboxylase (LDC), tyrosine decarboxylase (TyDC), and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) within orchid (Phalaenopsis × hybridum ‘Innocence’) leaves, infested by two mealybug species: Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ. Tozz.) and Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrh.) were quantified. The pattern of changes was dependent on the insect species and duration of infestation. P. longispinus feeding increased LDC and TyDC activity after one week during the total period of observations. This species inhibited ODC activity after one week but increased later. P. maritimus decreased LDC activity in orchid leaves at all studied terms. TyDC action also went up during the first week of the infestation and was reduced after two weeks, while ODC was decreased after one day and induced later. The mechanism for the participation of analysed amino acid decarboxylases in local and/or systemic steps of orchid responses to mealybug infestation is discussed.
Highlights
Mealybugs are serious pests of orchids and probably the most difficult to control pests of Phalaenopsis
Control Infested by P. longispinus t3; p Infested by P. maritimus t3; p
Note: Student’s t-test; comparison of lysine decarboxylase (LDC) activity within orchids leaves infested by the insects and control ones
Summary
Mealybugs are serious pests of orchids and probably the most difficult to control pests of Phalaenopsis. Tozz.) called the long-tailed mealybug is widely distributed in the nature, on a large range of plants, over most territories of the tropical and subtropical regions, in addition to greenhouses in temperate zones. It is found throughout North America and in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. The species is a polyphage, inhabiting plants which represent 37 botanical families (Ben-Dov et al 2013) These two species have a relatively narrow temperature tolerance but a wide host range. The plant chemical composition is an important determinant of host plant and insect interactions, understanding these relationships is the main objective of modern plant protection (Fernie 2007)
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