Identification of glucosinolates on the leaf surface of plants from the Cruciferae and other closely related species

Leaf-surface extracts prepared from 18 non-cultivated (wild) plant species, derived from the Capparidaceae, Cruciferae, Resedaceae and Tropaeolaceae w ere ranked for their ability to stimulate oviposition by the cabbage root f ly, and analysed for glucosinolates. A total of 28 different glucosinolates were identified. A clear relationship was detected between the indolyl-, b enzyl- and the total glucosinolate composition on the leaf surface and ovip osition preference by cabbage root fly females. However, as the results are not fully explained by differences in leaf surface glucosinolates, other i mportant oviposition deterrents and stimuli on the leaf surface of these wi ld crucifers must also be present. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.