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Ailanthus Altissima Aqueous Extract Deters Spodoptera Frugiperda Oviposition, Ryan L. Wagner, Jordan A. Card

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae), the tree of heaven, is a highly invasive tree species containing phytochemicals with a range of biological activities. Exposure to novel chemistry from invasive plant species may result in changes to established Lepidopteran behaviors, including feeding or oviposition. However, the impact of A. altissima chemistry on insect behavior has not been extensively explored. Therefore, A. altissima extract was tested for oviposition deterrence effects against Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Noctuidae). Oviposition substrates were treated with water-soluble extractions of Zea mays (L), A. altissima, or a combination of both. Moths were then placed in chambers containing different …