Plants have their own defense mechanism against insect pests. I want to measure with certainty if the defense mechanism a plant is displaying is just its own defense mechanism, or if it is augmented or boosted by the induction of systemic resistance with the use of a fungal agent.
Kindly glance papers on endophytes and their impact on insect pests.
Hi Benji,
I have been considering callose as a defense mechanism in cotton infested by aphids. Stylet penetration causes callose formation, locally and in the phloem. During my searches for information I came across some papers that proposed to use increased callose formation in stomata in response to pathogen infection as a selection criterium for resistance to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) in grape leaves (papers attached). I think that could give you some ideas. I have quantified callose in aphid infested cotton leaves by preparing leaves and staining with aniline blue and then using a digital imaging program to measure the stained areas. I don't now if that is the best method, other techniques seem to involve measuring up-regulation of genes. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Simone
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