PROOXIDANT EFFECTS OF PHENOLIC-ACIDS ON THE GENERALIST HERBIVORE HELICOVERPA-ZEA (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE) - POTENTIAL MODE OF ACTION FOR PHENOLIC-COMPOUNDS IN PLANT ANTI-HERBIVORE CHEMISTRY

The ability of a series of phenolic acids to induce oxidative stress i n Helicoverpa tea was evaluated. In vivo studies demonstrated the proo xidant effects of the o-dihydroxy phenolics caffeic acid and chlorogen ic acid, as evidenced by increased levels of lipid peroxidation produc ts, oxidized protein and free iron. Ascorbic acid levels were also dep leted in larvae ingesting caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. We propos e that the induction of oxidative stress may be an important component of phenolic toxicity in lepidopteran larvae.