Publications by authors named "Herb Eichenseer"

Salivary glucose oxidase (GOX) has been reported in a few insect species where it plays a role in protection against infectious disease. Our recent research has focused on the role of this salivary enzyme in the noctuid Helicoverpa zea, where it functions as an effector to suppress the induced defenses of the host plant Nicotiana tabacum. In this study, we examined the labial gland GOX activities in 23 families of Lepidoptera (85 species) and two families of plant-feeding Hymenoptera (three species).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Blood-feeding arthropods secrete special salivary proteins that suppress the defensive reaction they induce in their hosts. This is in contrast to herbivores, which are thought to be helpless victims of plant defences elicited by their oral secretions. On the basis of the finding that caterpillar regurgitant can reduce the amount of toxic nicotine released by the tobacco plant Nicotiana tabacum, we investigate here whether specific salivary components from the caterpillar Helicoverpa zea might be responsible for this suppression.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF