Expression of genes encoding polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in wheat in response to Oulema spp. larvae feeding

Cereal leaf beetle (CLB, Oulema spp.) are economically important pests of cereals, because their feeding, especially at the larval stage may significantly reduce the quality and quantity of the obtained crop. The aim of the study was explanation the expression level of PPO and PAL genes involved in the secondary metabolites production in response to feeding of CLB larvae with a reduced or not reduced bacterial component. It was indicated that bacteria associated with CLB larvae supressed wheat response to CLB feeding to the benefit of insect host. Each of the three wheat varieties developed a unique defence mechanism against tested stress factors (including mechanical damage or damage caused by larvae feeding). The Arkadia variety reacted much faster and stronger to treatments in comparison to the other two wheat varieties. Understanding of the expression of genes involved in the plant defence response against herbivory pests is very important from an ecological point of view and has a great potential for use in plant protection.