ALKALOID SECRETION BY TRICHOMES OF NICOTIANA SPECIES AND RESISTANCE TO APHIDS

Alkaloids are secreted by trichomes of the seven Nicotiana species tested. Nicotine, the major alkaloid constituent, was identified in the secretions from all species and anabasine, and probably nornicotine, from two species. Aphids are killed by contact with these secretions, and resistance to the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, results from this mortality.