Effects of cotton leaf surface alkalinity on feeding ofSpodoptera littoralis larvae

The high leaf surface pH in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) var. Acala SJ2 was bioassayed againstSpodoptera littoralis larvae. Weight gain and leaf consumption of the larvae feeding on leaves devoid of alkalinity, due to daily washing, were recorded. Untreated cotton, with a leaf surface pH of 9.5–10.0 was used as control. The gland exudates contained potassium and magnesium cations, and the gland surface and intergland leaf areas were rich in calcium and phosphorus and low in K or Mg. The role of this plant antibiosis in the insect-host-plant relationship is discussed.Contribution No. 1885-E 1986 series, from the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel.