Difference in Foliar Fatty Acid Composition in Potato Cultivars over a Growing Season May Influence the Host Location Preference of Leptinotarsa Decemlineata

Abstract The production of commercial potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum ) for different market classes is vital agricultural importance in the United States. For chips, fresh-market or processing potatoes, potato producers rely upon cultivars to meet and consumer demands. Many possess distinctive traits which make them more less susceptible disease insect pressure. One important understudied trait that may confer host location preference population performance include leaf fatty acid composition(s). It known composition can influence growth, taste, even defense mechanisms. In current investigation we examined tissue obtained from 8 representing grown a controlled field study. We colonization Leptinotarsa decemlineata among over 45 day period first full generation Wisconsin. Results these experiments suggest, i) compositions vary between sample dates throughout experiment, ii) preferentially colonize particular cultivars, iii) there was significant correlation omega-3 cultivar preference.