Host Selection and Probing Behavior of the Poplar Aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) on Two Poplar Hybrids with Contrasting Susceptibility to Aphids

ABSTRACT Poplars are frequently attacked by aphids. The differential susceptibility of poplar hybrids to the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) has been described, but the mechanism underlying this pattern is unknown. This work tested the hypothesis that poplar resistance to this aphid is associated with the presence of volatiles and secondary plant compounds that affect host selection and feeding behavior. This hypothesis was tested by studying the host choice and feeding be havior of C. leucomelas on two poplar hybrids with contrasting susceptibilities to this aphid ([Populus trichocarpa Torrey & Gray × Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marshall] × P. deltoides [TD × D] , and [P. trichocarpa × Populus maximowiczii Henry] × [P. trichocarpa × P. maximowiczii] [TM × TM]). The results showed that C. leucomelas rejected leaves of the TM × TM hybrid and did not prefer odors from either hybrid. Electronic monitoring of the probing behavior of C. leucomelas suggested the involvement of an...