Variation in sucrose esters from the type B glandular trichomes of certain wild potato species

Abstract

Accessions of four insect resistant wild potato species (i.e., S. berthaultii,S. neocardenasii, S. polyadenium andS. tarijense) were examined for the presence of glandular trichomes and any associated sucrose esters. Of the thirty accessions examined, ten proved positive for the presence of type B glandular trichomes and accompanying sucrose esters. Three distinct complexes of sucrose esters were identified (i.e., 3,4,6-tri-0, 3,3′,4,6-tetra-0-, and 2,3,3′,4-tetra-0-acylated) and the acyl substituents were found to vary significantly within each complex. Possible rationales for the observed distribution of the sucrose esters within the species are discussed and comparative data from some non-tuberousSolanums and other genera of the Solanaceae family are presented.