ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Bracken fern
;
Pteridium aquilinum
;
phytoecdysteroids
;
insect feeding deterrents
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Analysis of green bracken fronds collected during July, August, and October, 1975, for phytoecdysteroids showed that these compounds occur in only trace amounts (0.25–0.53 μg/kg fresh weight [FW]). The effect of ecdysteroids on the feeding behavior of seven species of insect showed that four species were deterred at ecdysteroid concentrations at or above 60 mg/kg FW diet; one species of insect at 6 mg/kg or above, and two species which were not affected at the higher concentrations. It was concluded that the levels of phytoecdysteroids in bracken would not deter insects from feeding on the plant. The previously published data relevant to the possible role of phytoecdysteroids as defense compounds are also discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00988049
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