Influence of canopy height and fertilization levels on the resistance of Lycopersicon hirsutum to Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae)

• Published in: Experimental & applied acarology 1999-08, Vol.23 (8), p.633-642
• Main Authors: Leite, G.L.D, Picanco, M, Guedes, R.N.C, Zanuncio, J.C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aculops lycopersici; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Canopies; canopy; chemical constituents of plants; Eriophyidae; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetics and breeding of economic plants; glandular trichomes; height; ketones; leaf area; Leaves; Lycopersicon hirsutum; lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum; nitrogen content; nitrogen-potassium fertilizers; nutrient content; Pest animals; Pest resistance; plant characteristics; potassium; soil fertility; Solanum habrochaites; Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum; Tomatoes; trichomes; tridecan-2-one; undecan-2-one; Varietal selection. Specialized plant breeding, plant breeding aims
• ISSN: 0168-8162; 1572-9702
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1006201915292

The objective of this work was to study the effect of NK fertilization levels and canopy height on the resistance of Lycopersicon hirsutum and Lycopersicon esculentum to Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophydae). The effects of NK fertilization levels and canopy height in the leaf size and density of trichomes and their effects on tridecan-2-one (2-TD) and undecan-2-one (2-UD) limiting the attack of A. lycopersici on tomato plants were assessed. Different NK fertilization levels had no effect on the resistance of L. hirsutum to A. lycopersici. No significant differences were found in attack rates of this mite on leaves of the top and median parts of L. hirsutum canopy. The type and density of trichomes were the main determining factor of A. lycopersici attack on tomato plants. High trichome densities and type VI glandular trichomes which produce tridecan-2-one are important resistance factors on tomato plants. L. hirsutum showed a high resistance level to A. lycopersici due to high densities of type VI glandular trichomes and consequently higher levels of tridecan-2-one in its leaves.