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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Virola sebifera Aubl. (Myristicaceae) leaf chemical composition and implications on leaf-cutter ant foraging choice

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Author(s):
Carlos, Amanda Aparecida [1] ; Malaquias, Karla da Silva [2] ; Consolmagno, Rafael Camargo [3] ; Franceschini Sarria, Andre Lucio [2] ; Fernandes, Joao Batista [2] ; Bueno, Odair Correa [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho UN, Ctr Estudos Insetos Sociais, Ave 24A, 1515 Bela Vista, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos UFSCar, Lab Quim Prod Nat, Dept Quim, Ctr Ciencias Exatas & Tecnol, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho UN, Dept Bot, Ave 24A, 1515 Bela Vista, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ARTHROPOD-PLANT INTERACTIONS; v. 12, n. 3, p. 361-368, JUN 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Leaf-cutter ant plant material choice is essential for colony maintenance and growth. Plant material is used as a substrate for cultivating symbiotic fungus, and the ants' preference for particular leaves, tends to be determined by vegetal age-related physicochemical factors. The plant species Virola sebifera Aubl. (Myristicaceae), for example, shows a large number of leaf surface trichomes. Although non-glandular, V. sebifera trichomes may gradually retain an increasing amount of chemical compounds over the lifetime of the leaf. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the role of plant chemical compounds on Atta sexdens rubropilosa preference for V. sebifera leaves of different ages. For this purpose, the chemical composition of trichomes on young and senescent leaves was analyzed, and ants' preference tested. The chemical compositions differ between V. sebifera young and senescent leaves, with triacontane (C30) predominance in young leaves and tetratriacontane (C34) predominance in senescent leaves. Ants' preference choice was tested by randomly offering leaves of different ages to A. sexdens rubropilosa workers, following six different treatments: (1) young leaf fragments; (2) young leaf fragments with few trichomes removed; (3) loose trichomes from young leaves; (4) senescent leaf fragments; (5) senescent leaf fragments with few trichomes removed, and (6) loose trichomes from senescent leaves. Ants' preference was observed for young leaves fragments with a few trichomes removed and also for young leaves loose trichomes. Ants' preference might be due to specific volatile compounds (GLV) preset in V. sebifera young leaves. Results suggest occurrence of ants' selectivity resulting from changes on trichomes chemical composition between V. sebifera leaves different age stages. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/17793-8 - Semiochemical and acoustical communication in leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Grantee:Amanda Aparecida Carlos
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 14/06901-2 - Influence of plant derived chemical compounds on the decision for foraging and improvements in the chemical control of Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Grantee:Amanda Aparecida Carlos
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate