Characterization of the Terpene-Inducing Factor Isolated from the Larvae of the Sweel Potato Weevil, Cylas formicarius FABRICICUS (Coleoptera : Brenthidae)

Abstract

Terpene phytoalexins such as ipomeamarone are produced in sweet potato roots by infestation with the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius. We indicated that the terpeneinducing factor of the weevil larvae included at least three components, namely glycoprotein component(s) adsorbed by Con A-Sepharose, Con A-Sepharose non-adsorbed protein components(s) and heat-stable low molecular weight component(s).