Volatile organic compound emissions in tomato: Influence of plant variety and herbivory

Plants are stationary organisms and must use novel methods of defense against insect herbivores. In response to herbivory, plants produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Production of VOCs is also influenced by many things including the herbivore species and plant variety. Plant breeders continuously introduce new varieties, which likely produce unique volatile blends and respond differently when challenged by herbivory. In this greenhouse study, we investigated the influence of plant variety and herbivory on volatile emissions in tomato.

Four varieties of tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) and the herbivorous pest, tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) were used. Volatiles were collected using solid phase microextraction from undamaged and plants fed on by M. sexta larvae 48 hours prior to volatile collection.

Results indicate that both factors-plant variety and herbivory influenced VOC emissions in variable ways. Such variability in VOC emissions may have implications for volatile mediated plant and insect interactions.