EFFECTS OF FOLIAR PHENOLICS AND ASCORBIC-ACID ON PERFORMANCE OF THE GYPSY-MOTH (LYMANTRIA-DISPAR)

We investigated the potential for interactive effects between foliar a scorbic acid and phenolics on performance of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). In our first study, feeding bioassays with neonate larvae an d fourth instars were used to examine larval performance on five host species in relation to concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolics. in a second study, we supplemented leaves with ascorbic acid and pheno lics to assess bath direct and interactive effects on fourth instars. Results revealed that gypsy moth performances (e.g. growth, developmen t rates) varied significantly across host species and in relation to p henolic compounds in aspen. Ascorbic acid, however, neither directly n or indirectly (via interaction with phenolics) influenced larval perfo rmance.