RHODODENDRIN IN BETULA - A REAPPRAISAL

Rhododendrin was found in the inner baric of many Betula (birch) speci es, and it was naturally hydrolyzed to rhododendrol when trees or bran ches were under drought stress. Rhododendrol may act as a stimulant to oviposition by the bronze birch borer. Therefore, the development, by selection and breeding, of improved white-barked, borer-resistant tre es should emphasize those species or individuals found to produce litt le or no rhododendrin. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.