Effects of host plants on the population parameters and activities of detoxification enzymes in Laodelphax striatellus

Abstract

The small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an economically important pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and other members of the Poaceae. The effects of host plant type on SBPH life table parameters reared on two cultivars of rice (Zixiangnuo 2315 and Wuyujing 3), wheat (Jimai 22 and Nongda 26), and one grass weed (Echinochloa crusgalli Beauv.) under laboratory conditions were determined using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table. Additionally, the corresponding activities of three detoxifying enzymes – carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and mixed‐function oxidase (MFO) – were also measured. The results showed that host plant species and cultivars had effects on population parameters and activities of detoxification enzymes. Rice cv. Zixiangnuo 2315 and wheat cv. Nongda 26 were shown to be more suitable than the other three hosts. The activities of the three detoxifying enzymes showed different patterns of changes on the three host plants after feeding for 0–72 h. Regardless of short‐term (72 h) or long‐term (one generation) induction on host plants, the activity levels of GST and MFO in adult SBPH reared on rice ‘Zixiangnuo 2315’ were lower and higher, respectively, than on the other four hosts. The results may help understand the host adaptability of this pest and inform the development of strategies for effective field‐based integrated pest management programs.