Are epicuticular waxes a surface defense comparable to trichomes? A test using two <i>Solanum</i> species and a specialist herbivore

Although plants possess a suite of structural defenses, most studies have focused on trichomes. Trichomes can both pre- and post-ingestive effects been consistently found to reduce herbivory. Along with trichomes, few epicuticular waxes as an important defense; however, manipulated comparisons examining herbivore growth development are limited. In this study, using two Solanum species ( glaucescens Zuccarini macrocarpon Linnaeus) that vary in we tested the hypothesis variation defenses will affect feeding, primarily by restricting feeding commencement. We used electron microscopy together series plant- diet-based manipulative experiments, tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta Linnaeus; Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) herbivore. leaves had significantly fewer trichomes higher wax content when compared macrocarpon. also acted strong physical barrier resulting lower mass gain mortality caterpillars Artificial diet manipulation experiments suggested possible toxicity waxes. Collectively, show play significant role surface should be examined further.