# 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.

## Key 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.