HOST SELECTION BY THE ADULT CABBAGE MAGGOT, HYLEMYA BRASSICAE (DIPTERA: ANTHOMYIIDAE): EFFECT OF GLUCOSINOLATES AND COMMON NUTRIENTS ON OVIPOSITION

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Abstract
In Hylemya brassicae (Bouché) little oviposition occurred when access to host plant material was denied. The mustard oil, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), stimulated the flies into greater activity and attracted them to its source. Sinigrin and four other glucosinolates (mustard oil glucosides) tested induced oviposition. AITC by itself did not induce, oviposition, but in the presence of a glucosinolate, small concentrations of AITC caused an increase in the number of eggs laid. Glucose, sucrose, casein, wheat germ oil, and a mixture of B-vitamins did not influence oviposition at the concentrations tested, but casein hydrolysate inhibited it. The role of glucosinolates and common nutrients in host selection by H. brassicae is discussed.