Systemic Action of an Insect Feeding Deterrent

Abstract

MANY phytophagous insects are restricted in host range because of the presence of naturally occurring distasteful chemical substances in otherwise acceptable plants^1,2. In the search for possible substitutes for toxic pesticides, however, comparatively little attention has been directed towards the application of non-toxic antifeeding compounds or rejectants as a means of deterring insects from attacking crops. To be of practical value, a rejectant should not only be persistent but also absorbed and translocated to the growing points of treated plants. Otherwise the new plant growth developing after treatment, being uncontaminated, will be selectively attacked while the older treated leaves remain distasteful.