Robotic mechanical wounding is sufficient to induce phenylacetaldoxime accumulation in Tococa quadrialata

TL;DR

The study shows that mechanical wounding in Tococa quadrialata triggers the same chemical responses as insect damage, including accumulation of phenylacetaldoxime.

Contribution

The study reveals that mechanical wounding alone can induce PAOx accumulation, independent of known signaling pathways like JA.

Findings

PAOx levels peak 24 hours after herbivore infestation or mechanical wounding.

SpitWorm-treated leaves showed highest PAOx and PAOx-Glc levels, suggesting herbivore secretions enhance accumulation.

Benzyl cyanide and 2-phenylethanol emissions confirm herbivore cues trigger plant defense responses.

Abstract

This study investigated the accumulation of phenlyacetaldoxime (PAOx) and PAOx-Glc in Tococa quadrialata leaves in response to herbivore infestation and mechanical wounding. Results show that PAOx levels peaked at 24 h post-infestation, while PAOx-Glc remained present for several days. The accumulation of PAOx began as early as 3 h after herbivory, with PAOx-Glc significantly increased after 6 h. Mechanical wounding induced similar responses in PAOx and PAOx-Glc accumulation as herbivory, suggesting that continuous tissue damage triggers the production of these compounds. Interestingly, SpitWorm-treated leaves showed the highest levels of both PAOx and PAOx-Glc, indicating that herbivore-derived oral secretions (OS) play a role in the induction of these compounds. Additionally, JA-independent PAOx production was found to be associated with tissue damage rather than specific known signaling compounds. Emission of benzyl cyanide and 2-phenylethanol, PAOx-derived plant volatiles, was observed in response to herbivory and SpitWorm treatment providing plant-derived OS, further highlighting the role of herbivore cues in plant defense responses.

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