Title "Chemoecological responses of apple plants to herbivory"

Pandemis heparana is a major pest insect of apple trees (Malus domestica), particularly in temperate climates. The larvae of P. heparana feed mainly on the leaves, although they may attack fruits as well, causing substantial losses in regions that are highly specialized in fresh apple production. Plants subjected to insect feeding are known to release specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs), called herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), which attract entomophagous arthropods and/or repel pest insects. Besides, some HIPVs are involved in the anti-herbivore priming of neighbouring plants. The composition of HIPV blends is highly specific for each plant species and it depends on the type of plant-herbivore interaction as well.
In my research, I am investigating the release of HIPVs by apple plants in response to feeding damage of P. heparana larvae. I will characterize the VOCs released by the shoots of apple plants in different conditions: undamaged, mechanically damaged, and damaged by P. heparana larvae. I collect the VOCs both periodically, using a CLSA-GC-MS-based method, and continuously, using a PTR-TOF-MS-based method. I am planning to investigate the ecological roles of the detected HIPVs as: 1) attractants for entomophagous arthropods, 2) repellents/antifeedants for pest insects, and 3) elicitors of anti-herbivore priming on neighbouring conspecifics.
This research aims to provide useful information about the role of HIPVs in the contest of plant-plant and plant-insect interactions, thus contributing to the development of new ecologically-friendly techniques of insect pest control in apple orchards.