Jasmonate Induced Terpene-Based Defense Inpinus Massonianadepressesmonochamus Alternatusadult Feeding

BACKGROUND Symptoms of pine wilt disease (PWD) are caused when pathogenic pine wood nematodes (PWN) invade healthy host trees via wounds created by adultMonochamus alternatus. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can trigger terpene-based induced defense in conifers, which is a core part of the conifer defense system. Herein, we hypothesized that the terpene-based plant defense induced by MeJA could negatively affect the feeding behavior ofM. alternatusadults, and may contribute to a new strategy in the control of PWD. RESULTS The feeding area forM. alternatusadults feeding on MeJA-treated seedlings was significantly smaller compared with control seedlings. However, no significant difference was detected in the enzyme activities in the midgut of beetles that had fed on these seedlings. Terpenoids were mainly accumulated in traumatic resin duct, whereas the constitutive resin duct accumulated only diterpenoids. Correspondingly, large-scaled responses at the transcriptional level mainly focused on terpenoid and phenolic biosynthesis in the defending trees. CONCLUSIONS Breeding tree species with a high resin yield may contribute to control of the spread of PWD by suppressing the feeding ofM. alternatusadults. Transcriptome sequencing results provided abundant information for further breeding of highly resistant trees. Based on these findings, a potential push-pull strategy for the control ofM. alternatuswas discussed.