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Host plant recognition by the root feeding clover weevil, Sitona lepidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

S.N. Johnson ,
P.J. Gregory ,
P.J. Murray ,
X Zhang  and
I.M. Young
S.N. Johnson*
Affiliation:
School of Human and Environmental Sciences, Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 233, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK
P.J. Gregory
Affiliation:
School of Human and Environmental Sciences, Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 233, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK
P.J. Murray
Affiliation:
Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK
X Zhang
Affiliation:
Scottish Infomatics Mathematics Biology and Statistics (SIMBIOS) Centre, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee, D1 1HG, UK
I.M. Young
Affiliation:
Scottish Infomatics Mathematics Biology and Statistics (SIMBIOS) Centre, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee, D1 1HG, UK
*
*Fax: +44 (0) 118 378 6660 E-mail: S.N.Johnson@reading.ac.uk
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Abstract

This study investigated the ability of neonatal larvae of the root-feeding weevil, Sitona lepidus Gyllenhal, to locate white clover Trifolium repens L. (Fabaceae) roots growing in soil and to distinguish them from the roots of other species of clover and a co-occurring grass species. Choice experiments used a combination of invasive techniques and the novel technique of high resolution X-ray microtomography to non-invasively track larval movement in the soil towards plant roots. Burrowing distances towards roots of different plant species were also examined. Newly hatched S. lepidus recognized T. repens roots and moved preferentially towards them when given a choice of roots of subterranean clover, Trifolium subterraneum L. (Fabaceae), strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum L. (Fabaceae), or perennial ryegrass Lolium perenneL. (Poaceae). Larvae recognized T. repens roots, whether released in groups of five or singly, when released 25 mm (meso-scale recognition) or 60 mm (macro-scale recognition) away from plant roots. There was no statistically significant difference in movement rates of larvae.

Type
Review Article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 94 , Issue 5 , October 2004 , pp. 433 - 439
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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