Citation. LeQuesne, P. W.; Cooper-Driver, G. A.; Villani, M.; Do, M. N.; Morrow, P. A.; Tonkyn, D. A. 1986. Biologically active diterpenoids from Solidago species -- plant-insect interactions. Pages 271-282 in A. Rahman and P. W. LeQuesne, Eds. New Trends in Natural Products Chemistry 1986. Studies in Organic Chemistry Vol. 26. Elsevier Science Publishers B. V., Amsterdam.   [1376  CC]

Abstract. Solidago (Asteraceae) is a widespread clonal genus important in the native prairie grassland of North America. The insect predators of Solidago, which are well known, respond to interspecific and clonal differences between and within Solidago species. As part of a study of insect predation as influenced by the taxonomic relationship of environmentally adjacent plants, we have investigated the role of Solidago secondary metabolites in mediating insect predation. Several ent-kaurane derivatives have been obtained from the leaves of Solidago species and shown to influence feeding behavior of larvae and adults of Trirhabda canadensis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Data obtained thus far suggest a multichemical effect.