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The influence of abiotic stress and cultivar variation on plant defenses and resistance to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in cultivated olive (Olea spp)

Elesin, Idris B.
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-7630-854X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1736896595601931

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Biological Sciences.
Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive pest that significantly impacts olive trees (Olea europaea). This study aimed to assess the role of abiotic stress factors such as drought and salinity in influencing plant defenses and resistance to EAB, while also examining cultivar variation in resistance. The study specifically aimed to address: (1) What effects do varying degrees of abiotic stress (drought, salinity) have on olive trees' antioxidant and peroxidase activity in olive tree? (2) Do distinct olive cultivars exhibit varying levels of resistance to EAB under various stressors? We used a controlled experimental design with two stress treatments (drought and salinity) and 20 olive cultivars to conduct the bioassay. Growth metrics (height and stem diameter), peroxidase activity, and antioxidant activity were measured, while EAB survival and performance were assessed by monitoring larval feeding and growth. Results indicated no significant differences in antioxidant activity between treatments, although low salinity slightly enhanced antioxidant responses. Peroxidase activity was highest under high salinity, and growth responses varied by treatment and cultivar, with Leccino showing the highest antioxidant activity. EAB larvae performed best under drought conditions but exhibited poor survival on certain cultivars. These findings suggest that abiotic stress influences both plant defense mechanisms and pest resistance, with cultivar-specific responses to stress and pest pressure.
Don Cipollini, Ph.D. (Advisor)
John Stireman III, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Volker Bahn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
69 p.
Agriculture; Agronomy; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Ecology; Entomology; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Nutrition; Plant Biology; Plant Pathology; Plant Sciences; Public Health; Soil Sciences
Emerald ash borer; Olive tree; Oleuropein; Hydroxytyrosol; Peroxidase activity; Larval performance; Abiotic stress; Antioxidant activity; Plant pest interaction; Plant biochemical defenses

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Elesin, I. B. (2024). The influence of abiotic stress and cultivar variation on plant defenses and resistance to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in cultivated olive (Olea spp) [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1736896595601931

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Elesin, Idris. The influence of abiotic stress and cultivar variation on plant defenses and resistance to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in cultivated olive (Olea spp). 2024. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1736896595601931.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Elesin, Idris. "The influence of abiotic stress and cultivar variation on plant defenses and resistance to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in cultivated olive (Olea spp)." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1736896595601931

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1736896595601931
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.