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Collaborative project: Identification of the signalling function of secondary metabolites and selection on improved secondary metabolite spectra in the host/arthropod complex lupine/weevil – Subproject 3

Project


Project code: 2814300807
Contract period: 01.03.2008 - 31.07.2011
Budget: 77,633 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development

The impact of insect herbivory on yield in Lupin crops and the extent of infestation by lupin weevils on several Lupinus genotypes were assessed. In addition, functional substances in lupines which influence the behaviour of the specific weevil species Sitona griseus and S. gressorius were identified by using biochemical, ethological and ecological approaches. Results of field experiments showed that the grain yield in L. angustifolius crops is strongly reduced (up to 40%) by insect infestation compared to insecticide treated plots. The screening of 126 Lupinus genotypes containing both bitter and sweet lupines showed that the infestation was higher in genotypes of L. angustifolius than in L. luteus. A high variability of susceptibility within the species L. angustifolius was observed. Weevil feeding in L. angustifolius genotypes with high alkaloid contents was as high as in genotypes with low alkaloid content. Thus, lupin alkaloids have no influence on the host selection of lupin weevils. In contrast, volatile substances of lupins have been shown to be attractants and seem to be suitable substances for weevil resistance breeding.

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Subjects

Excutive institution

Saatzucht Steinach GmbH

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