Induced resistance by jasmonic and abscisic acids and Nesidiocoris tenuis feeding on Solanum lycopersicum against Trialeurodes vaporariorum

In the present study, resistance to Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) was induced in tomato plants using foliar and root application of jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) alone or in combination with infection with Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter). This induced resistance significantly prolonged development and reduced the survival of immature stages of T. vaporariorum, and reduced the longevity and fecundity of adults. Treating plants with both hormones (JA or ABA) and N. tenuis resulted in greater magnitude in the delay of growth and development in comparison to single treatments. This reduction in T. vaporariorum performance is due to enhanced activity of plant enzymes and increased phenolic content following treatment. Our results show that JA, ABA as well as prior mirid phytophagy induce systemic defenses in tomato plants that have a negative effect on the performance of T. vaporariorum. Taken together, our findings suggest that these physiological changes underlie the induction of resistance to whitefly in tomato plants.

Automated summary

By inducing resistance in tomato plants through foliar and root application of jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, as well as infection with Nesidiocoris tenuis, the development of Trialeurodes vaporariorum immature stages was prolonged, and the longevity and fecundity of adults were reduced. Application of both hormones and N. tenuis resulted in greater delay in growth and development compared to single treatments, which was attributed to enhanced activity of plant enzymes and increased phenolic content. These physiological changes underlie the induction of resistance to whitefly in tomato plants.