Colonization of Solidago altissima by the specialist aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum: effects of genetic identity and leaf chemistry.

In dominant old-field plant species, genotypic variation in traits important for herbivorous insects may explain variation in insect species abundance. While the importance of plant genetic identity on arthropod abundance has been demonstrated, specific factors that drive genotype choice by insects remain largely unknown. Sixteen genotypes of the widely distributed plant species Solidago altissima were used to investigate the possible role of nutrients and terpene secondary metabolites in shaping the abundance of a common specialist aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum.