VARIATION OF VOC EMISSIONS OF OAK TREES INFESTED BY OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH

Abstract

Herbivorous insects can cause severe damage to plants but simultaneously trigger distinct defense-related signaling pathways in the plant resulting in enhanced chemical defense. Here, we analyzed the effect of infestation with the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea L., OPM) on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of oak leaves (Quercus robur L.). Variance of emitted VOCs and their correlations changed considerably under infestation., in particular in view of green leaf volatiles. Emissions of two alkanes (pentadecane and hexadecane) significantly increased in response to infestation. These VOCs possess known functions as semiochemicals that can convey a message from one plant to another and influence the behavior of the recipient.