Abstract
GravidPieris rapae butterflies oviposit on many, but not all, crucifers. Rejection ofErysimum cheiranthoides andCapsella bursa-pastoris was initially explained by the presence of chemical deterrents in the plants. Analyses and bioassays of plant extracts indicated the absence of oviposition stimulants inC. bursa-pastoris, but similar chemical separation ofE. cheiranthoides extracts revealed the presence of stimulants as well as deterrents. Choice tests illustrate how acceptance or rejection of a plant by an insect may depend on the balance of positive and negative chemical stimuli within the plant.
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Renwick, J.A.A., Radke, C.D. Chemical stimulants and deterrents regulating acceptance or rejection of crucifers by cabbage butterflies. J Chem Ecol 13, 1771–1776 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00980217
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00980217
